Daniil Medvedev has made a strong statement at the China Open, advancing to the semifinals without dropping a set. In his second tournament with new coach Thomas Johansson, the Russian star defeated Alexander Zverev, marking his first win over a top-five player on hard courts since November 2023. Medvedev’s performance highlights a promising new chapter under his fresh coaching team.
Dominant performance against Zverev
Following his hard-fought victory, Medvedev reflected on his display during the match. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“I played great. I was controlling the game pretty well. I felt like I had all the chances. He had only, I think, one game on my serve where he put a lot of pressure on me. Other than that, I think I put a lot of pressure on him, and played great.”
The win not only boosted Daniil Medvedev’s confidence but also marked a significant milestone in his career, as he reached the 60th tour-level semifinal. He now joins an elite group of active players, including Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Gael Monfils, Marin Cilic, and Stan Wawrinka, in achieving this feat.
Embracing growth under Johansson
Medvedev openly credited his progress to the guidance of his new coach, Thomas Johansson. The Russian noted that while numbers are important early in a career, the focus now is on maximizing his potential. He added:
“I mean it’s great, but I always want more and, you know, in the beginning of your career numbers are important. When you achieve a lot, it’s more about just doing your best, and I haven’t been doing my best. I’m happy to be back in the semis and playing great, beating great opponents. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Improving form and mindset
The 29-year-old also highlighted how his game is evolving under Thomas Johansson’s guidance. He emphasized his balance between aggression and defense, noting his ability to adapt to match situations. Daniil Medvedev said:
“I definitely played as I wanted to today. Not missing much, aggressive when I need to, defensive when I need to, running great, so I’m definitely improving and looking forward to trying to improve even more.”
With the semifinal looming against Learner Tien, Medvedev is aiming to continue his streak and solidify his resurgence. His form in Beijing demonstrates that the coaching change may be exactly what he needed to return to elite-level competition.