Daniil Medvedev Optimistic About Thriving on Low Expectations at the Australian Open

The first Grand Slam of the year, i.e., the Australian Open, is around the corner. There are a lot of expectations from the top players in the world, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. However, there is one name who used to have such expectations but has disappointed lately, Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev was considered the founder of the new era after the Big Three. However, the Russian hasn’t lived up to the potential that saw him win the US Open in 2021 and become World No.1 in early 2022. Now, ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, the Russian is hoping to thrive on low expectations.

I think, in a way, no, I’m not very highly ranked, so I might have a very difficult draw from the start, but at the same time, when you’re in the tournament, you play your best no matter who you’re up against. Sometimes there are surprises, and you can actually be low-ranked but still have a good draw, or you can just beat someone good and get a better draw. So you never know. As for my chances, at this point in my career, I’m no longer the favorite to win everything, but I’ll try to become that again as soon as possible.

Daniil Medvedev said in his post-match press conference (H/T: Punto de Break)

Medvedev has come close so many times to winning the Australian Open, but has found himself on the unfortunate side of the result. He has finished as the runner-up thrice in Melbourne.

The first came in 2021, when he lost convincingly to Novak Djokovic. However, the last two finals in 2022 and 2024 have seen him bottle a two-set lead against Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner, respectively.

Daniil Medvedev satisfied with pre-season form

Daniil Medvedev is hoping to kick-start his 2026 season in the best possible manner. The Russian has had a disastrous 2025, finishing outside the top 10 for the first time in over half a decade. Now, he’s hoping to get things on track ahead of the Australian Open.

I’ve played well in the preseason, I’ve trained well, so I’m happy to have been able to put that into practice on the tennis court, because, guys, we all know how to play tennis, so we can all play well. Sometimes you can play well and lose, but I know that when I play well, I win a lot of matches. So I’m happy to have played well today and to have won the match.

Daniil Medvedev added

Medvedev had a disappointing 2025 season, collecting only one ATP Title. Although he broke a two-year title drought, he was only able to win one Grand Slam match in the entire season.

2025 was the first season since 2020 in which Medvedev didn’t reach at least one Grand Slam final. He also failed to reach any Masters 1000 finals and was unable to qualify for the ATP Finals for the first time since 2018.

As a result of poor performances, there was a transformation in his staff as well. The biggest one was Gilles Simon, who left his coaching role earlier in 2025.

Daniil Medvedev kicks off his Brisbane campaign

Top seed Daniil Medvedev moved into round two at the Brisbane International on Monday. He looked sharp from the start in an intense opening match.

Medvedev beat Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3. The match lasted only 69 minutes. It was a key warm-up for the Australian Open, which starts January 18.

Fucsovics broke serve once in the second set. It gave a brief sign of a fightback. Medvedev quickly retook control and shut it down.

He broke serve twice to build a 5-2 lead in the second set. After a short wobble, he finished the job right away. Medvedev now sets up a second-round clash with Frances Tiafoe.

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