Former World No. 5 reveals what Daniil Medvedev’s opponents ‘figured out’ that led to the Russian’s two shock early exits
Daniil Medvedev's two opponents, who beat him this year, have one thing in common- they are both left-handers.
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Daniil Medvedev (Image via X)
Jimmy Arias, a former World No.5 player, thinks the left-handers have figured out how to beat Daniil Medvedev. The Russian suffered two early-round exits at the Australian Open and the Rotterdam Open and one thing which is common about his opponents is that they both were left-handers.
Medvedev, after overcoming Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej in the first round, wasn’t able to fend off 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up and qualifier Learner Tien in the second round of the Australian Open. Following the Major event at Melbourne Park, the 28-year-old outlasted 39-year-old Stan Wawrinka but fell to a qualifier again. It took Mattia Bellucci two hours and 55 minutes to beat Medvedev.
He doesn’t like playing lefties. I’m not sure if that’s what it is. I think players have finally figured out that you can’t hit through him.
Jimmy Arias told Tennis Channel
Medvedev, who holds a 38-22 win-loss record against left-handers on the ATP Tour, is now 3-6 since the 2024 Shanghai Masters. Arias pointed out how Medvedev’s weaknesses have been exposed as left-handers have now started to trouble him.
If you try to overpower him when he’s way back and defending, you’re not going to get it done. You have to open the court, you have got to bring him forward, you got to serve and volley, and players have finally started doing that.
Jimmy Arias added
WOW.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 5, 2025
23yo Mattia Bellucci saves 11 of 12 break points (6/6 in the 3rd set) and gets the biggest win of his career against former #1 and 2023 champ Daniil Medvedev and reach the QFs (2nd career) in Rotterdam.
6-3, 6-7(7), 6-3. pic.twitter.com/F6LhtRWDng
Daniil Medvedev reveals how he lost the second-round match against Mattia Bellucci
Daniil Medvedev, a three-time Australian Open finalist and the 2021 US Open champion, is disappointed with the way he has been performing this season. After his defeat to World No.92 Mattia Bellucci, he explained what went wrong that led to his defeat.
The story of the match is that, in my opinion, I played very badly, and I almost won it. So, in one way, it’s a good sign. In another way, I don’t want to play like that.
Daniil Medvedev said at the press conference
Medvedev also shut down retirement rumors, saying he still loves tennis and is also winning a lot of money. The former World No.1, who currently stands at No.7 in the rankings, expressed the possibility of him contemplating retirement if he drops out of the top 100.
Medvedev’s next target is to win the Qatar Open, after which, he is set to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships. He missed the event in Doha last year but in Dubai, he lost to Ugo Humbert in the semifinals.
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Gouri Das
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