Daniil Medvedev Wants to Start Career in Pickleball and Curling After Another Early-Round Exit: “Every Sport on the Planet is Better Than Tennis”

Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open after losing to Martin Damm Jr. 7-5, 6-3 in the opening round. This marked his third consecutive defeat in the early rounds of a tournament since making the quarterfinals of the Halle Open.

Medvedev, known for throwing tantrums when things don’t go well, seems to be dealing with a love-hate relationship with tennis. The Russian ace wanted to build a good rhythm before entering Flushing Meadows for the US Open.

He did not do well at the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp and Brandon Nakashima in the opening round and in the third round, respectively. And in Winston-Salem, it was no different.

Medvedev, the champion here in 2018, was so frustrated with himself that he joked during a changeover that every other sport is better than tennis.

Maybe I should start a career in pickleball… not too late… with Jack Sock, doubles. Every sport on the planet is better, even curling right now.

Daniil Medvedev on the changeover before losing to Martin Damm in Salem

“Maybe I should start a career in pickleball… not too late… with Jack Sock, doubles.”

“Every sport on the planet is better, even curling right now.”

💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/Owdefnso4l

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 26, 2026

Medvedev will now be wishing for nothing other than rediscovering his form before the US Open, the singles main draw of which kicks off on August 30. The only time Medvedev made the fourth round of a Major this year was at the Australian Open. He suffered an opening-round exit at the French Open, while at Wimbledon, his run ended in the third round.

Medvedev, however, also played finals this season. After winning the Brisbane International (beat Nakashima) and the Dubai Tennis Championships (Tallon Griekspoor handed him the walkover), the former World No.1 lost to Jannik Sinner in the Indian Wells final.

Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, hasn’t clinched another Major since that win. The last time he made a final of a Major was at the 2024 Australian Open, which he lost to Sinner.

Alcaraz will enter the US Open as the defending champion. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has recovered from the wrist injury he suffered during the Barcelona Open, which forced him to withdraw from every event before the US Open.

Last year in the event, the 23-year-old defeated Sinner in four sets. But the five-time Grand Slam champion won’t be playing as he is now dealing with a knee injury. He last competed in the Wimbledon final, winning the match by defeating reigning French Open champion Alexander Zverev.

Victory over Daniil Medvedev is Martin Damm Jr.’s best win of his career

Martin Damm Jr. registered his career’s first top-10 win after his victory over World No.8 Daniil Medvedev. The 22-year-old, who has yet to win a tour-level title, will next face Fabian Marozsan, who defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets.

That’s obviously the best win of my life. It means so much because I’ve been getting closer and closer against the top guys. To do it here in the U.S. right before the US Open, it’s a massive confidence boost.

Martin Damm Jr. said during his on-court interview

Damm Jr. has made just one US Open appearance. Last year, after qualifying for the main draw events, the American ace lost to compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the second round. This year, he played the main draw matches of both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, losing in the first and second rounds, respectively.

Medvedev produced lopsided performances in the Majors last year as he failed to progress beyond the second round. At the US Open, his run ended after the first round. He has so far made three finals in New York, losing in 2019 and 2023 to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, respectively, and winning in 2021 by defeating the Serb.

Also read: Andy Roddick Makes Gael Monfils Comment While Criticizing Stan Wawrinka’s US Open Wildcard Decision