Daniil Medvedev Falls In Toronto Once Again, and the Struggles Continue
For someone who was once a consistent Grand Slam contender, Daniil Medvedev’s struggles in 2025 are becoming unnervingly familiar. Once the no-nonsense machine, grinding opponents into defeat with precision-shot placements, Medvedev now feels like a shadow of his former self, battling not just on-court opponents but also something deeper within.
Popyrin Stuns Medvedev In Toronto
Thursday night’s dramatic clash highlighted both the promise of Alexei Popyrin and the ongoing misfires of Daniil Medvedev. He held a strong hand after the first set at 7-5, but the tide turned rapidly as Popyrin seized control of the match, taking the next two sets 6-4, 6-4. It was not just Popyrin’s grit, a characteristic we have come to admire, but Medvedev’s increasing inconsistency under pressure that ultimately decided the outcome.
Statistically speaking, Medvedev isn’t too far off from his peak form. He saved nine out of 12 break points and demonstrated flashes of brilliance that remind fans of why he once held the Toronto championship trophy in 2021. But numbers don’t always tell the whole story. He struggled to close critical moments, and once Popyrin found his rhythm, his opponent’s chances faded.
The Moment That Broke the Internet (and Possibly Medvedev’s Spirit)
Leave it to Medvedev to add a dash of theater to despair. Down 1–3 in set two, he whiffed a backhand so badly that it was almost as if he was auditioning for a slapstick comedy. Did he brush it off like nothing happened? Of course. Cue Medvedev hilariously pretending to search for the ball, a classic “Meddy moment” that got a chuckle out of fans but doubled as a metaphor for his hunt for form this season.
Later, when the final nail in the coffin was hammered, Medvedev didn’t rage, didn’t rant. No dramatic racquet-smashing session this time. Instead, he left his racket bag courtside and walked straight to the locker room like he couldn’t care less. Was it defiance? Exhaustion? Or just Medvedev surrendering to the relentless waves of a season he has been unable to control? The internet had a field day. Fans oscillated between seeing it as comedy gold or tragic symbolism.
Burnout Or Breakthrough?
It is not just this match. Medvedev’s year has been a trainwreck, hiding glimmers of respectability. No titles, only two semifinal appearances, and one lone final. Compare that to his dominant seasons just a few years ago, and you start seeing burnout written all over his body language.
Past frustrations boiled over earlier this year when he was fined a staggering $76,000 for an Australian Open meltdown. And in his latest tantrum, Medvedev took his anger out on metal water bottles during a fiery DC Open loss to Corentin Moutet.
Here’s the kicker, though. Tennis fans still adore him. His unorthodox playstyle and unabashedly transparent personality are what make him unique. He is the guy who doesn’t always follow the script, who shows that even the biggest stars get frustrated. The crowd might be laughing at him sometimes, but they’re also watching because of him.
Where Does He Go From Here?
If the champion wants to return to form, the solution won’t come from viral moments and internet memes. Maybe it is time to find joy in the game again, rediscover what made tennis exciting for him in the first place. Because when he plays loose, free, and slightly sarcastic, he is one of the most dangerous opponents out there. The Grand Slam titles may still be far from reach right now, but the Medvedev we know doesn’t stay buried for long.
