Daniil Medvedev Addresses the Key Element Missing in his Game After Catastrophic Wimbledon Exit

Daniil Medvedev stands at a win-loss record of 1-3 in 2025 Grand Slam events.

Daniil Medvedev Addresses the Key Element Missing in his Game After Catastrophic Wimbledon Exit

Daniil Medvedev (via The Tennis Letter)

Daniil Medvedev’s 2025 Wimbledon campaign came to an early end with a second-round defeat. The former US Open champion and ex-World No. 1 was beaten by France’s Benjamin Bonzi, who delivered a composed and focused performance. Bonzi claimed the win in four sets, 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2, on Court Two in just under three hours.

Despite moments of visible frustration, including smashing his racket after a key point, the former World No.1 showed composure in defeat. He offered a candid reflection on his performance and recent Grand Slam struggles, choosing not to deflect blame. The loss, though disappointing, didn’t shake his belief in his broader form and preparation.

For me, it’s a matter of confidence. If not for the results in Halle, I would be here and say something is definitely missing. It’s just a matter of a couple of matches. This year, I lost a lot of close calls. When I start winning them, I can climb up the rankings. For the moment I’m not that worried. If I finish the year ranked somewhere around #15 in the world, maybe I’ll be more worried. For the moment, I’m not.

The match was played under intense heat, with Bonzi maintaining sharpness and accuracy throughout. The Frenchman kept up the pressure, especially in the third and fourth sets, capitalizing on Medvedev’s second-serve weakness and unforced errors.

Medvedev, who made the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2024, will now lose valuable ranking points. Although this exit is a setback, he remains focused on improving and finding his rhythm as the season continues.

Daniil Medvedev faces alarming ranking collapse

Former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev’s disappointing run at the 2025 Grand Slams continued with a first-round exit at Wimbledon, where he lost to Benjamin Bonzi. This marks his third early defeat at a major this season, following losses to Learner Tien at the Australian Open and Cameron Norrie at Roland Garros. After reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2024, this early exit results in a 790-point drop in his ranking, from 3,420 to 2,630.

Daniil Medvedev (3)
Daniil Medvedev (Image via X/Meddy Family)

The ranking impact has been significant. Medvedev has fallen from ninth to 14th in the Live ATP Rankings, his lowest position since March 2019. He could drop even further, as lower-ranked players now have the opportunity to gain ground with strong performances at Wimbledon.

In the match against Bonzi, Medvedev was outplayed despite hitting 14 aces and winning most of his first-serve points. His inconsistency showed in a low first-serve percentage and 12 double faults, while he managed to win only 43% of points on his second serve.

Bonzi, ranked 64th, played with patience and precision, especially in key moments. He saved four break points in a crucial game in the third set before taking it in a tiebreak, then broke the Russian twice in the fourth to close out the win in just over three hours.

Daniil Medvedev exits Wimbledon

Benjamin Bonzi caused the first big surprise of this year’s Wimbledon by defeating ninth seed Daniil Medvedev. He won the match 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 in just over three hours. The result marked a strong start for the Frenchman, who is ranked No. 64 in the world.

Daniil Medvedev (via X/Wimbledon)
Daniil Medvedev (via X/Wimbledon)

Medvedev, a former ATP Finals champion, has struggled at majors this season. His early exit at Wimbledon follows a second-round loss to Learner Tien in Australia and a first-round defeat to Cameron Norrie at Roland Garros. These setbacks have left him 16th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

The match was played under extremely hot conditions, with temperatures making it the warmest opening day in tournament history. Bonzi stayed calm from the baseline and outplayed Medvedev with sharp groundstrokes. His strong serving also gave him a clear edge throughout the match.

This win sends Bonzi into the second round at Wimbledon for the third time. For the Russian, it’s a disappointing end, as he failed to move past the opening round for the first time in seven appearances at the All England Club.