‘Big push for positivity’ helps Medvedev end Grand Slam losing streak

Daniil Medvedev says he is trying to be “as positive on the court as I am in life” after he finally snapped his losing streak at Grand Slams with victory in the Australian Open first round.

The Russian – known for his fiery outbursts on court – suffered first-round defeats at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025.

But he avoided a fourth successive early exit with an assured victory over Dutchman Jesper de Jong at Melbourne Park on Monday.

The 7-5 6-2 7-6 (7-2) win on Margaret Court Arena took his record to 6-0 this season after he triumphed at the Brisbane International earlier in January.

So, perhaps Medvedev – who destroyed a net camera in his lone Grand Slam win last season – is reaping the benefits of his “big push to try to be more positive”.

“So far I’m doing it well,” the 2021 US Open winner said.

“We don’t know what’s coming, but just trying to be positive on the court as I am in life.”

A former world number one, Medvedev began the 2025 season at fifth in the rankings but dropped as low as 18th in a turbulent year.

As well as breaking the net camera, Medvedev also suffered a meltdown in New York after a photographer walked onto court during the match.

He did end his title drought, winning the Almaty Open in October for his first trophy in 882 days, but missed out on November’s end-of-season ATP Finals in Turin for the top eight men’s players.

“What happened last year happened, and it’s OK. It’s part of career, part of life,” he said.

“I managed to finish the year like 12 or 13, which is great for many players.

“Of course, I was not happy.”

The 29-year-old said his struggles last season stemmed from his mental outlook on the court, rather than his physical condition.

“In my tennis, I was not feeling great at times,” Medvedev said.

“It’s not easy, because you’re like, ‘why is my backhand down the line is not going that good? Why is my serve is not going that good?’

“Mentally you start pushing yourself and you start to be a bit more tense during the matches.”

Following his first-round US Open exit, Medvedev split with long-time coach Gilles Cervara after more than eight years working together.

He has added Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke to his team – a set-up that appears to be working well for Medvedev, given the two titles he has won since they teamed up.

“I’m feeling great with my new team, so I don’t really go too much into the past,” he added.

The 11th seed, who twice failed to serve out the match against De Jong before triumphing after two hours and 53 minutes, will face Quentin Halys of France next.