Daniil Medvedev defeated Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4 in Shanghai, reaching his first Masters 1000 semifinal since March and marking a turning point in a turbulent season.
A Comeback Built on Change
After a disappointing run at the US Open and a dramatic loss to Benjamin Bonzi, Daniil Medvedev arrived in Asia with a new coaching team and renewed focus. His split from longtime coach Gilles Cervara led to the hiring of Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, whose influence has already begun to show.
“When you’re 30, you need someone not to show you the way, but to help you find the way again,” Medvedev said. “Right now what I found in Thomas and Rohan, it’s great.”
The Russian, once ranked No. 1, had slipped to No. 18 after a season marked by early Grand Slam exits. But in Shanghai, he’s rediscovered the assertiveness that once made him a dominant force.
Tactical Shift Against De Minaur
In Friday’s quarterfinal, Medvedev showcased a more aggressive style. He won 79 percent of his first-serve points and hit 27 winners, including 10 successful net approaches out of 11 attempts. His ability to finish points quickly was crucial in the humid conditions that had previously caused him to cramp.
Johansson’s advice during a tense moment in the second set proved decisive. At 15-30, Medvedev flattened a forehand for a winner and followed it with a backhand to break serve. He held comfortably to close out the match.
“I was really clutch in important moments,” Medvedev said. “I was hitting the ball great, I was putting him under pressure.”
Emotional Recovery and Self-Awareness
Medvedev’s journey back to form has been as psychological as it is physical. After his meltdown in New York, where he smashed racquets and tossed them into the crowd, he acknowledged the emotional toll of the season.
“It was just a little bit of desperation,” he told reporters in Shanghai. “At the same time I was like, ‘The fans are probably going to love it.’”
Despite the theatrics, Medvedev remains one of the sport’s most engaging personalities. His blend of introspection and showmanship keeps fans invested, even when his results falter.
Looking Ahead
Medvedev will face Arthur Rinderknech in the semifinals on Saturday, aiming to reach his second final in as many weeks after a strong showing in Beijing. His recent performances suggest that his defensive style, when paired with timely aggression, still has a place among the game’s elite.
“I did expect this,” Medvedev said. “I played great in Beijing. I was serving for the match to be in the final.”
As he continues his Asian swing, Medvedev’s resurgence offers a compelling narrative: a former champion adapting, evolving, and finding his rhythm again.
ATP Shanghai - Daniil Medvedev's projected path
Medvedev in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.18, the Russian has achieved a compiled 34-20 record in 2025. The Russian is playing at the moment in Shanghai where he conquered the world no.91 Dalibor Svrcina 6-1 6-1, the world no.20 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 7-6(5), the world no.36 Learner Tien 7-6(6) 6-7(1) 6-4 and the world no.7 Alex De Minaur 6-4 6-4.
Daniil Medvedev will compete against the world no.54 Arthur Rinderknech in the semifinal on Saturday at 7:00 pm on STADIUM COURT. Their current head to head is 1-0 for Medvedev.
Medvedev was the finalist in Halle (Terra Wortmann Open).
Medvedev won 20 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
