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### **Top Analyst Explains Why Daniil Medvedev’s Game No Longer Works**
Daniil Medvedev, once a dominant force on the ATP Tour, has recently struggled to maintain his elite status. While he remains one of the game’s top players, his once-reliable strategies are proving less effective against the new generation of stars. According to a leading tennis analyst, Medvedev’s decline is due to three main factors: his deep-court positioning, his struggles against aggressive all-court players, and changes in court surfaces that have neutralized his strengths.
### **Deep-Court Positioning Becoming a Liability**
Medvedev’s signature playing style—standing deep behind the baseline and relying on counterpunching—was a nightmare for opponents in his prime. His exceptional defense, flat groundstrokes, and ability to absorb pace forced opponents into long, exhausting rallies. However, players have now adapted to this strategy.
“When Medvedev first rose to the top, opponents weren’t ready for someone playing that deep and still covering the court so well,” the analyst explains. “Now, players are smarter. They use drop shots, sharp angles, and net play to pull him out of position and exploit the space he gives up.”
By playing so far behind the baseline, Medvedev also makes it easier for opponents to attack. Aggressive players have learned to step inside the court and take the ball early, rushing him and denying him the rhythm he thrives on.
### **Struggles Against Varied Playing Styles**
While Medvedev remains strong against traditional baseline players, he has consistently struggled against opponents who can mix up their game. Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner have all found ways to break down Medvedev’s defenses by varying their shots and refusing to engage in his preferred long rallies.
“We’ve seen Alcaraz use his drop shot repeatedly to force Medvedev forward, where he’s less comfortable,” the analyst says. “Djokovic, meanwhile, knows how to open up the court with angles and aggressive net play. Medvedev’s reluctance to step inside the baseline and dictate points is costing him.”
Additionally, Medvedev’s second serve—once a weapon due to its unpredictability—has become a target for opponents, who have started attacking it more aggressively.
### **Court Surface Changes Have Neutralized His Game**
Another factor hurting Medvedev is the gradual slowing down of court surfaces across the ATP Tour. While he has openly criticized slow clay courts, even some hard courts—his preferred surface—have been adjusted to encourage longer rallies.
“In 2021, when Medvedev was at his peak, courts played faster, which suited his flat, low-bouncing shots,” the analyst notes. “Now, many hard courts have been slowed down, making it harder for him to hit through opponents. This has allowed players with better all-court games to exploit his weaknesses.”
### **Can Medvedev Adapt?**
Despite these challenges, Medvedev remains one of the best players in the world. However, if he wants to regain his dominance, he may need to evolve—playing closer to the baseline, improving his net game, and adding more variety to his tactics. If he fails to adapt, his days as a dominant force in men’s tennis may be numbered.