Medvedev says he’s getting closer to winning his first Grand Slam after losing Australian open final

Daniil Medvedev hails Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and his Australian Open conqueror Novak Djokovic ‘the cyborgs of tennis’ as he vows to learn from Serbian’s masterclass in one-sided Melbourne final

Daniil Medvedev believes he is getting closer to sealing his first major tennis title, despite losing in straight sets to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.

Djokovic beat the Russian 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to claim a ninth Australian Open and 18th Grand Slam title overall.

The 25-year-old Russian revealed that he intends to vary his tactics the next time he plays Djokovic, and that the experience of losing a final will stand him in good stead in the future.

Daniil Medvedev has now lost two Grand Slam finals after defeat to Novak Djokovic on Sunday

Djokovic (left) won the 18th Grand Slam title of his career at the Australian Open

 Djokovic (left) won the 18th Grand Slam title of his career at the Australian Open 

‘It’s definitely tough, I don’t like to lose matches. It doesn’t matter if it’s a first round or a final of a Grand Slam… I feel like it’s the kind of match I won throughout this tournament, but he won today,’ Medvedev said.

‘I think I got closer [to winning a major title], because I always say experience is the key for me. Next time if I play Novak, I am for sure going to do some things [differently] on the court, maybe also differently off the court. It doesn’t mean that I will succeed, but that’s the life of a tennis player.

‘Losses hurt. The only thing that keeps me warm is that I always try to do my best on the court. Today, I was not happy with myself during the match. I felt like I was doing my best, but it was not there. It happens. This is also life.’

The 25-year-old revealed he will change up his game plan the next time he faces Djokovic

The 25-year-old revealed he will change up his game plan the next time he faces Djokovic

The Russian star labelled Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal whom he lost to in the final of last year’s American Open as ‘cyborgs of tennis.’

Federer and Nadal are tied on 20 Grand Slam titles, with Djokovic just two behind. 

‘When they’re in the zone, and I’m not shy to say it, I feel like they’re just better tennis players, which shows in facts and numbers, than the rest of us,’ Medvedev added.

‘When we are also in the zone, we can bring a big fight to them, we can win some matches and maybe some big titles. But it’s just that the percentages are on their side. I rank them as the toughest opponents of my life.

‘I’m 25 now. To win nine Australian Opens, I need to win one title every year until I’m 34. I believe in myself, but I don’t think i’ll be able to do it.   

‘Same with Rafa, 13 [titles]… We’re talking about some cyborgs of tennis in a good way. They’re just unbelievable.’