Daniil Medvedev has never been shy about sharing exactly what is going through his mind on court. His latest defeat produced another memorable changeover monologue, this time involving pickleball, curling and the apparent superiority of almost every other sport. The comments arrived just before the former U.S. Open champion returns to New York following an uneven 2026 season.
Key Takeaways
Daniil Medvedev humorously contemplated a career switch to pickleball after his early exit from the Winston-Salem Open, highlighting a season of mixed results.
- Following his defeat at the Winston-Salem Open, Daniil Medvedev jokingly suggested pursuing a career in pickleball, citing Jack Sock’s success in the sport.
- Medvedev expressed frustration with his tennis performance, remarking that ‘every sport on this planet is better’ and even considering curling as an alternative.
- The Russian tennis star’s 2026 season has been inconsistent, with notable wins like the Brisbane International and reaching the Indian Wells final, contrasted by significant losses and coaching changes, as he prepares for the U.S. Open.
Pickleball enters the conversation
Medvedev was the top seed at the Winston-Salem Open, but his run ended with a 7-5, 6-3 defeat to American Martin Damm. During a changeover, the 30-year-old began considering a different sporting future.
“Maybe I should start a career in pickleball,” Medvedev said, suggesting doubles with former tennis player Jack Sock.
Sock retired in 2023 and has since won eight pickleball titles, following a tennis career that included four Grand Slam doubles crowns and Olympic gold. Pickleball was not Medvedev’s only alternative. Turning to the chair umpire, he declared that “every sport on this planet is better” before adding that even curling looked preferable.
New York awaits
Frustration has followed a season of sharp highs and difficult lows for Medvedev. After splitting with longtime coach Gilles Cervara in 2025, he hired Thomas Johansson and opened 2026 by winning the Brisbane International.
Spring brought more encouraging signs as the Russian reached the Indian Wells final after defeating Carlos Alcaraz. Medvedev later made the Italian Open semifinals, although his year also included a 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini in Monte Carlo and a first-round French Open exit against wild card Adam Walton.
Johansson and Medvedev subsequently parted ways, with Andrey Golubev joining him for the U.S. hard-court swing. Now the 2021 champion heads back to the U.S. Open one year after his chaotic first-round defeat to Benjamin Bonzi, ready to add another chapter to one of tennis’ most unpredictable careers.