Daniil Medvedev Explains Why Professional Tennis Drives Him Crazy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 5:03 AM ET

Daniil Medvedev produced a clinical display at the China Open earlier today, defeating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-3 to book his place in the next round. Against a dangerous opponent known for his flair and unpredictability, the Russian remained composed and efficient, wrapping up the win in straight sets.

Yet, despite his convincing performance on court, Medvedev admitted that his 2025 season has been far from straightforward. The former World No. 1 reflected candidly on the challenges he has faced this year, including bouts of mental instability during matches.

“The thing about tennis—what is beautiful about the sport, what is the toughest thing—is that I act a little bit crazy on the court sometimes,” Medvedev confessed. “So many amateur people come to me in France or in Monaco and say, ‘Look, I’m like you. I’m calm in life, calm on the road, calm even if I argue with my wife. But when I play tennis, I go nuts.’ Tennis can drive you crazy. Me, it drives me crazy.”

Asked why his results have dipped in recent months, Medvedev admitted he doesn’t have a clear explanation. “You ask me why I had a bad year? I don’t have the exact answer,” he said. “It could be my second daughter. It could be my relationship, I don’t know, with Gilles. It could be that I became older and started thinking more than when I was younger. It could be just bad luck or maybe physically I was not feeling well somewhere. You never know.”

The 29-year-old was quick to stress that his growing family has only been a source of happiness, regardless of any on-court impact. “I definitely love my two daughters; I love my wife. It’s not a problem for me. Even if I play tennis worse because I have a second daughter, I’m happy about it and I don’t care.”

Still, Medvedev admitted concerns remain as he searches for a return to peak form. “For sure I was concerned. I’m still concerned. I’m trying to find a way to show everyone that I’m capable of doing big things again.”

With his convincing start in Beijing, Medvedev has taken a step in the right direction, but his candid reflections show that even at the highest level, tennis can test not just a player’s skill, but also their mental resilience.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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