Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev says he’s not panicking despite a surprise first-round exit at Wimbledon, which further deepens his disappointing Grand Slam run in 2025.
The Russian ninth seed fell 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 to world No. 64 Benjamin Bonzi of France in just over three hours on a sweltering Court Two — a result that marks his earliest exit in seven Wimbledon appearances.
Medvedev, who reached the semi-finals at the All England Club in both 2023 and 2024, entered the tournament hoping to build on his previous deep runs. Instead, he now finds himself facing a third early Grand Slam exit this year, having bowed out in the second round of the Australian Open and the opening round of Roland Garros.
The 29-year-old, a six-time major finalist and 2021 US Open champion, struck a composed tone in the aftermath, despite visibly showing frustration by smashing his racquet against his chair during the match.
“I’m not panicking,” Medvedev insisted. “I would be very worried if I hadn’t just reached the final in Halle.”
He referred to his runner-up finish earlier this month at the ATP event in Halle — a key grass-court warm-up — where he lost to Alexander Bublik. That performance, he said, provided a crucial boost to his confidence.
“I had a great week of preparation. I came in with confidence after Halle. I won every practice set I played,” he said. “But that doesn’t matter. The match is a new story.”
Medvedev acknowledged that nerves often affect early-round performances.
“First rounds are tricky. Maybe in the second or third round I would’ve had better shots, played better. That’s tennis.”
Although visibly frustrated during the match, Medvedev was measured in his post-match analysis, suggesting his struggles are more about momentum than form.
“It’s a matter of confidence. This year I’ve lost a lot of tight matches. When I start winning those again, I believe I’ll climb back up the rankings.”
He added that he would only become seriously concerned if his ranking dropped significantly.
“For now, I’m not too worried. If I finish the year ranked around 15, maybe then I’ll be worried. But for the moment, no.”
Despite a difficult season at the majors, Medvedev remains optimistic that a turnaround is near — if he can just tip a few close matches in his favour.