Medvedev suffers a stunning upset loss to No.524 Indian rising star, his declining form evokes sympathy

The break between seasons frequently interrupts the flow of competition, something Medvedev felt deeply in Bangalore. The World Tennis League presented a genuine and dramatic moment: the tournament favorite was unexpectedly beaten by the world’s No.524 player. This outcome demonstrates that even elite athletes can be ambushed when their performance declines.

The match between Game Changers Falcons and Aussie Mavericks Kites was decided by the slimmest of margins. Both teams were battling for a spot in the World Tennis League final, with the contest held at Bangalore’s SM Krishna Tennis Stadium.

Indian player Dakshineswar Suresh, representing the Aussie Mavericks Kites, delivered an outstanding performance. He defeated Grand Slam champion Medvedev 6-4 in the final set, securing his team’s place in Saturday’s championship match.

Starting the day at the bottom of the leaderboard, the Kites staged a dramatic comeback, defeating the Falcons 24-19 and climbing to second place with 58 points.

Medvedev usually holds the advantage with his unique shot-making and steady baseline rhythm, preferring long rallies from the backcourt. However, Suresh took risks by frequently advancing into the court, forcing Medvedev onto the defensive rather than controlling the match. His serve strategy was also crucial, varying speed and placement to prevent Medvedev from settling into a predictable and extended return rhythm.

The critical moments came near the end of the set, with pressure mounting on every point, yet Suresh remained composed. Many young players might freeze facing an opponent of Medvedev’s caliber, but Suresh trusted his game and executed well on key points. The last few games tested both mental strength and tactical skill, and Suresh passed both challenges to clinch the victory.

Nagar’s performance was equally impressive in his singles match against Shapovalov, showcasing significant progress. Shapovalov, a former top-ten player known for his aggressive firepower, was expected to give Nagar a tough challenge. However, Nagar controlled the pace from the start and won 6-1 through sharp and clean execution, not merely relying on his opponent’s off day.

This was not Medvedev’s first underperformance in 2025. Throughout most of the year, he showed average results, dropping out of the world’s top ten in March for only the second time in five years; after a first-round exit at the US Open, his ranking fell as low as 18th.

Following that defeat, Medvedev made a significant decision: ending his long-term partnership with coach Gilles Cervara and hiring Thomas Johansson. This move signaled a fresh start and reflected his desire to find new approaches in training and match preparation.

The change quickly yielded improvement, as Medvedev won the ATP 250 event in Almaty, demonstrating greater confidence and consistency. He then reached back-to-back semifinals in the high-level tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai. These late-season results helped him climb back to 13th in the year-end rankings. With the new season approaching, the question is clear: can the former US Open champion return to the world’s top ten this year? (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)