Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion Evgeni Kafelnikov has weighed in on the recent performances of Daniil Medvedev, Russia’s top tennis player, following Medvedev's semi-final exit at the Masters tournament held at Indian Wells. Kafelnikov’s assessment was clear: Medvedev needs to ramp up his training regimen. "He needs to train three times more than he currently does. Otherwise, there will be a smooth decline. This is actually happening over the last 12 months," Kafelnikov said, as reported by Спорт-Экспресс.
Since the latest ATP ranking update, Medvedev has seen his position slip by two places, landing at eighth, reflecting the pressures and expectations he faces on the tennis circuit. Notably, during the week of March 10, 2025, Medvedev reached the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters but fell short against Denmark's Holger Rune with scores of 5/7 and 4/6. This recent performance highlights the struggle Medvedev may be experiencing at this stage of his career, prompting Kafelnikov to question whether there is a decline in Medvedev's requirements from himself.
On the other hand, former Russian tennis player Igor Kunitsyn offered a more optimistic view of Medvedev's tennis skills, stating during discussions about his match against Rune, "This was his best tournament this year. We should all be happy for him. This was his first semi-final of such a serious tournament this year. Everything is great! Just Rune played stronger at the important moments of the match." He expressed confidence about Medvedev's potential, believing the athlete will use this experience positively as he looks to compete for the title at the Miami tournament.
Kunitsyn analyzed Medvedev's performance, focusing on his serving throughout the tournament, attributing the issues on the court to the specifics of match play rather than Medvedev’s overall skill level. "It is hard to say why luck wasn’t on his side during key segments of the game. Each match is unique, and must be evaluated on its own merits. It is encouraging to see Daniil serving well throughout the tournament. This success is significant for him coming off such a lengthy period between wins," Kunitsyn added, reinforcing the notion of Medvedev improving gradually.
Despite the loss, Kunitsyn anticipates bright days for Medvedev as he heads to Miami: "Daniil carries good momentum from Indian Wells, and this should help him considerably. There are many players capable of winning Miami, but I believe Daniil can contend for the title there."
The hopes and expectations surrounding Daniil Medvedev’s career continue to be pivotal for Russian tennis. While Kafelnikov’s comments have sparked concerns over training and performance standards, Kunitsyn’s perspective instills confidence about Medvedev's growth and future prospects. The contrasting viewpoints reflect the broader narrative within competitive sports: the constant push for excellence juxtaposed against the realities of competition.
Fans and tennis enthusiasts alike are eager to see how Medvedev will respond to this critique and move forward as he prepares for the Miami tournament. After showing resilience during the semi-finals at Indian Wells, the anticipation builds on whether he can convert his potential opportunities on the court, reinforcing his status as one of the top players to watch.
