Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev made it clear to fans that he would not participate in the upcoming ATP-250 event in China, citing fatigue as the main reason. He acknowledged the difficulty of recent competition and expressed his appreciation for the warm reception the tournament usually receives, while also noting how much he looked forward to competing in that country. The message carried a sense of respect for the tournament’s organization and the city, balanced with a candid admission that rest was needed to maintain his level of play. Medvedev added that the thought of the city’s atmosphere and the event’s quality made the decision especially tough, and he conveyed hopes of meeting the fans in future editions of the event.
The US Open 2023 finale looms large in this discussion. The clash between Djokovic and Medvedev unfolded late on September 11, Moscow time, stretching over three sets in a match that lasted three hours and seventeen minutes. The scores told a gripping story: 3-6, 6-7 (5), 3-6. The final duel kept spectators on edge, highlighting the physical and mental endurance demanded by a major championship and underscoring the high stakes on the court that night. The encounter reinforced Djokovic’s continued dominance in the sport, while Medvedev demonstrated resilience even in a hard-fought defeat.
With this victory, Djokovic reached another milestone, becoming the oldest champion of the tournament at thirty-six years old, surpassing the previous record held by Australian great Ken Rosewall at thirty-five. By securing the Grand Slam title, Djokovic marked his 24th triumph in the history of the major, while this win also represented his fourth US Open title overall. The triumph translated into a shift in the ATP rankings as Djokovic moved past Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz to claim the top spot, whereas Medvedev remained firmly ranked as the world’s third best player. The dynamic between these two players continued to shape the narrative of the season as it progressed toward the next major events on the calendar.
Earlier in the year, Medvedev had been seen in an exhibition event that drew attention for its showcase of skill and personality beyond the standard tour schedule. That appearance, while not a sanctioned ATP event, kept him in the public eye and generated discussion about his form and readiness for the upcoming challenges on the tour. The combination of such exhibitions, the taxing schedule of a grandslam season, and the unavoidable physical toll of high-stakes matches all contributed to the tough travel decisions and strategic planning that athletes face when balancing peak performance with recovery and long-term health. Fans and analysts alike watched closely, weighing the implications for Medvedev’s plans for the rest of the season and for the broader trajectory of his career as the calendar moved forward.