Daniil Medvedev’s frustrating hard-court summer hit a new low during his opening match at the Winston-Salem Open, where the former world number one fell 7-5, 6-3 to American opponent Martin Damm. The straight-sets defeat not only extended a turbulent run of form for the top-seeded Russian just days before the start of the US Open, but it also prompted a tongue-in-cheek mid-match outburst about abandoning tennis entirely for pickleball or curling.
Frustration Boils Over in North Carolina
Seeking crucial match play ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season, Medvedev never found the baseline rhythm or tactical clarity that once carried him to the summit of men’s professional tennis. Damm, playing with aggressive composure, capitalized on unforced errors and maintained steady pressure throughout the contest to secure what he celebrated as the most important victory of his career.
As the match slipped away, Medvedev’s well-documented on-court frustration surfaced during a changeover. Caught on microphone speaking during a break, the 2021 US Open champion joked about a career pivot. “Maybe I should start a career in the pickleball,” Medvedev remarked, adding that it might not be too late and playfully suggesting he could team up with former American doubles specialist Jack Sock.
The exasperation continued as the match wore on. In a subsequent changeover conversation, Medvedev asserted that virtually any sport on the planet looked more appealing than tennis at that moment, specifically mentioning curling as an alternative pursuit. Observers noted that the remarks reflected the immediate anguish of a Grand Slam champion struggling to solve tactical puzzles on the court rather than any literal plans for a multi-sport transition.
A Rocky North American Swing Precedes Flushing Meadows
The Winston-Salem exit compounds an increasingly difficult North American hard-court swing for Medvedev. Earlier in the summer campaign, the Russian suffered an early departure in Canada before bowing out in the third round of Cincinnati against Brandon Nakashima. Those results have fueled questions regarding his consistency as he approaches the year’s final major.
Despite the recent turbulence, Medvedev’s pedigree on hard courts remains established. Alongside his 2021 Flushing Meadows triumph—where he claimed the biggest title of his career—he has reached multiple major finals and spent time at the top of the rankings. Analysts point out that his game has frequently oscillated between brilliant stretches of tactical mastery and sudden lapses in focus.
With the main draw of the US Open looming in New York, Medvedev faces a narrow window to recalibrate his strokes and rebuild the competitive momentum required over a grueling two-week fortnight. While pickleball and winter sliding sports remain strictly recreational thoughts, the former world number one heads to Flushing Meadows needing an immediate return to his trademark baseline resilience.
What Comes Next
Medvedev turns his immediate focus toward the US Open player field at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where tournament organizers will release official singles draws ahead of the opening round matches in New York. Official tournament updates, schedule announcements, and practice court reports are available via the official US Open tournament website.
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