Russian · Moscow, Russia · Born 11 February 1996Daniil Medvedev is a Russian professional tennis player who won the 2021 US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final, and reached world No. 1 in 2022.
Daniil Sergeyevich Medvedev was born on 11 February 1996 in Moscow, Russia, to Sergey Medvedev, a computer engineer who later ran a building materials business, and Olga Medvedeva, and has two much older sisters. He began playing tennis at six after his mother noticed an advertisement for group lessons at the pool where he was already swimming. Medvedev turned professional in 2014 and developed into one of the most tactically unconventional and physically unusual players of his generation, standing 1.98 metres tall with an unorthodox, flat-hitting game that made him exceptionally difficult to read. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 1 on 28 February 2022, ending the dominance of the sport's established elite. Medvedev reached three Australian Open finals, in 2021, 2022, and 2024, losing all three, but won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets to deny the Serb a calendar-year Grand Slam. He also won the season-ending ATP Finals in 2020. Medvedev endured a lengthy 882-day title drought before finally breaking through again at the 2025 Almaty Open under new coaches Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, and has continued to compete at the top level of men's tennis, renowned for his baseline consistency and combative on-court personality that has made him one of the ATP Tour's most compelling and unpredictable competitors.
2021 US Open champion and former world No. 1
How They Played
Medvedev employs a defensive baseline game built around exceptional court coverage and tactical awareness. His unconventional technique includes a flat, penetrating backhand and the ability to hit winners from seemingly impossible defensive positions. He excels at neutralizing aggressive opponents through consistent depth and precise shot placement.
Lasting Impact
Medvedev helped break the dominance of the Big Three in men's tennis, becoming the first new Grand Slam champion in years. His analytical approach and mental toughness have influenced a new generation of strategic-minded players.
Career Honours
- US Open 2021
- former world No. 1
- Davis Cup champion (2021)
- 23 ATP Tour singles titles
Russian Athletes