Remembers duel

Medvedev on Thiem: “Difficult to see something like this”

Daniil Medvedev (left) and Dominic Thiem have faced each other several times.

(Bild: AFP/APA/Pau Barrena)

Daniil Medvedev has expressed his regret at Dominic Thiem's retirement. "It's difficult to see such a retirement," emphasized the Russian. The two opponents have faced each other many times, with one duel at the US Open in particular sticking in his mind.

"At the 2020 US Open, I had the feeling that I was playing well and on a good run," Medvedev recalls. But then Dominic Thiem came along and inflicted a painful defeat on him: "I was surprised by the way he played," says the Russian, still impressed today.

Two months later, however, the 28-year-old was able to hit back. At the final in London, he defeated Thiem in a hard-fought match to become the unofficial world champion. "I managed to turn the tide," the Russian is still proud.

"Will have a good life"
These are memories of duels with an opponent he has grown fond of. The fact that the Austrian has now announced his retirement is therefore naturally sad: "I would say that it's a bit difficult to see someone like Dominic retire because he's perhaps younger than some other players who retire," said the 28-year-old.

However, it has also been painful to watch the Austrian struggle on and off after injuries. Medvedev is not worried about Thiem: "I'm sure, knowing him, he'll be fine without tennis. He will have a good life, a happy life. I think that's the most important thing. That's why I wish him all the best."