Daniil Medvedev’s US Open Opponent Reflects on Life-Threatening Illness Ahead of Clash: “I Had Five Percent Chance of Surviving”

During the 2019 USTA Boys’ 16s National Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sebastian Gorzny, then a 15-year-old, suffered a seizure and was immediately taken to a hospital. According to the doctors, he had only a five percent chance of surviving.

He suffered from a brain infection which doctors believed was caused by a mosquito bite. Doctors had to place him in an induced coma. Gorzny survived. Seven years after waking up from the coma, the American made his Grand Slam debut at the US Open after being awarded a wild card.

The doctors aren’t really sure what it was actually, but they’re guessing a mosquito bite that led to some type of brain infection: Meningitis, encephalitis. So I had a seizure. My dad woke up at 2 a.m., luckily, called the ambulance, and I was taken to the hospital. I had an induced coma for four days. They said I had a five percent chance of surviving. They were going to take the tubes out, and either I was going to breathe or not. I made a full recovery, luckily.

Sebastian Gorzny told ATPTour.com

In his first-round match, the 22-year-old overcame Raphael Collignon in five sets after saving five match points. And his next opponent is none other than 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who breezed past Hugo Gaston in straight sets.

To me, it was just like a long sleep. I just fell asleep, and then I woke up, and I don’t remember anything. But I know how traumatized my family was seeing me there, not knowing if I was going to wake up. It definitely makes you feel grateful and appreciate everyone around you, everyone that supports you. [I try] not to take any moments for granted.

Sebastian Gorzny added

Before arriving in New York, Gorzny competed at the ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open, where, in the first round, he lost to Cruz Hewitt, the son of former World No.1 and two-time Grand Slam singles champion Lleyton Hewitt.

Sebastian Gorzny on his upcoming match against Daniil Medvedev

Sebastian Gorzny has already played on Arthur Ashe Stadium, though it was just a practice game, with compatriot Ben Shelton. Gorzny doesn’t know what to expect from the Daniil Medvedev match, set to be held on Louis Armstrong Stadium on Wednesday (September 2).

I haven’t thought too much about it, but I practiced with Ben on Ashe a few days ago. That was a great experience. So we’ll see where they put us, but I’m sure it’ll be a good experience either way.

Sebastian Gorzny told ATPTour.com

Medvedev has been dealing with ups and downs this season as he not only made deep runs and won titles, but also suffered early-round exits. On the North American hard-court swing before arriving in New York, the former World No.1 lost in the opening round of the Canadian Open, the third round of the Cincinnati Masters, and the opening round of the Winston-Salem Open.

Earlier this season, he ended his title drought at the Brisbane International by beating Brandon Nakashima, then received a walkover from Tallon Griekspoor in the Dubai Tennis Championships, before losing the Indian Wells Open final to World No.1 Jannik Sinner, who is not playing in the ongoing event due to a knee injury. His arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz is competing as the defending champion.

Medvedev, who last reached a Grand Slam final at the 2024 Australian Open (lost to Sinner), will face Jaume Munar or Arthur Rinderknech if he reaches the third round. Medvedev, apart from his win in 2021, also reached the final here in 2019 and 2023, losing them to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, respectively.

Also read: Elena Rybakina Gives Important Health Update After First-Round Win at US Open