Daniil Medvedev Admits Shocking Shoulder Injury Problems That Hindered his Game for a Year

Daniil Medvedev lost a dramatic Washington Open quarterfinal to lucky loser Corentin Moutet.

Daniil Medvedev Admits Shocking Shoulder Injury Problems That Hindered his Game for a Year

Daniil Medvedev (via The Tennis Letter)

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Daniil Medvedev is on a title drought of more than two years, having won his last title at the Italian Open in 2023. At the Mubadala Citi DC Open, the 29-year-old opened up about his shoulder pain, which had caused much discomfort to him throughout mid-2023 to mid-2024.

In fact, under these circumstances, the Russian reached the 2023 US Open final after defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, although he couldn’t get the better of Novak Djokovic. Medvedev also reached the final of the 2024 Australian Open, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. Speaking about the pain, Medvedev remarked:

To be honest, I had a complete season, or rather, 365 days, with a lot of shoulder pain. It’s been much better for some time now, so I can continue working on it…

Medvedev’s Washington campaign ended at the quarterfinal, where he lost to lucky loser Corentin Moutet. Moutet has now set up a semifinal showdown with Alex De Minaur. The winner of this match will meet either Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Ben Shelton in the final. Medvedev further added:

If I remember correctly, it would be from mid-2023 to mid-2024. It was painful almost all the time. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. It’s not easy because in many training sessions, you want to work on the serve, but I didn’t because I was afraid of aggravating it further. However, we found a way to work on it, and I’ve been pain-free for quite a while now, since mid-2024.

Medvedev will next compete at the Canadian Open in Toronto, where he is seeded 10th. He has reached the finals of this tournament twice, winning it in 2021, where he defeated Reilly Opelka in straight sets. With several top-ranked players such as the likes of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, and Novak Djokovic withdrawing, the draw is wide open for perhaps a new Masters 1000 champion this year.

Daniil Medvedev’s dramatic quarterfinal match was halted due to lightning

Daniil Medvedev and Corentin Moutet battled it out in a dramatic quarterfinal in Washington. Medvedev comfortably took the opening set, where he hit 10 winners and made it look like he was in full control. However, the grueling humidity and fatigue took a toll on him in the second set, just as the Frenchman was beginning to force his way back into the match.

Daniil Medvedev Washington Open 2025
Daniil Medvedev (image via Getty)

Both players struggled in the sweltering conditions, with Medvedev taking a medical timeout due to heat stress when he was trailing 2-4, 15/15 in the second set. Moutet also took a medical timeout in the third set due to an issue with his left leg.

After two hours and 15 minutes of play in the intense Washington heat, the quarterfinal match between Daniil Medvedev and Corentin Moutet was halted for almost an hour for safety reasons due to lightning in the local area, with Moutet leading 1-6, 6-4, 5-4.

Daniil Medvedev’s tempers flare following quarterfinal defeat

When play resumed, Corentin Moutet returned to defeat Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev made three double faults in his final service game as Moutet sealed the victory 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. In total, Medvedev served up 10 double faults across the match, gifting his opponent far too many opportunities to claim the victory.

Daniil Medvedev water bottle Washington open 2025
Daniil Medvedev (image via Teniis Wolrd USA)

Medvedev threw his racquet into the air close to the stands immediately after he lost one of the most dramatic match points. He further expressed his outburst by smashing his water bottle twice on the ground after his defeat. Meanwhile, Moutet will advance to his maiden semifinal above the ATP 250 level.

Also Read: (Video) Corentin Moutet and Daniil Medvedev Play one of the Greatest Match Points of All Time in Washington