Daniil Medvedev’s resurgence at the end of 2025 has continued into this year and he looks mightily impressive at the Australian Open.
Medvedev is yet to lose in 2026 after winning the Brisbane International and he’s continued that form into Melbourne.
The Russian star has defeated Jesper de Jong, Quentin Halys, and Fábián Marozsán so far in Melbourne to reach the fourth round of the Grand Slam.
Medvedev has emerged as one of the dark horses for the entire event and Andy Roddick has heaped praise on the star.
Andy Roddick says Daniil Medvedev is more ‘focused’ than ever
Speaking on his latest podcast, Roddick was incredibly impressed by Medvedev’s gruelling five-set comeback.
“You know what I noticed the difference was? He is not getting too up or down. He is not creating drama. He is not creating friction right now,” said the former American pro.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
“He was down two sets and normally you know he is down two sets. He is barking at someone, creating some sort of something. He won the third set and there was barely [a reaction].
“He is focused and committed and he is calm. He is as calm as I had seen him in a long time. Maroszan can play.
“But Meddy just wore him down. He was up a break in the fifth, got broken back and then just finished the deal. That was old school Meddy.”
Medvedev has not reached this stage of the Australian Open since 2024, when he lost to Jannik Sinner in the final.
Daniil Medvedev will now reignite one of the best rivalries of 2025
Medvedev’s next opponent is Learner Tien, the young American who produced some classics with the Russian star throughout 2025.
The two men played three classics matches last year, at the Australian Open, the China Open, and the Shanghai Masters.
Tien managed to win two of those bouts, including a shock upset in Melbourne to knock Medvedev out of the round of 64.
Pick your Australian Open dark horse!
The American also beat Medvedev en route to the final in Beijing as he set himself up as something of a nemesis for the Russian star.
Medvedev got a semblance of revenge by dumping Tien out of the Shanghai Masters round of 16 in three sets.
Their next match at the Australian Open is much-anticipated and has all the ingredients of another gruelling test for both men.
