Daniil Medvedev is enjoying yet another fine run at a tournament, as his 2026 season just goes from strength to strength.
After suffering throughout last season, with a back injury that completely inhibited his play, it’s refreshing to see the affable Russian back to something close to his best.
Thus far, he’s carved through the Almaty Open draw, but will face a stern test if he is to win his upcoming semi-final match.
His resurgence comes as a handful of tennis legends are all retiring at the back end of this campaign.
Who do you think was a better player: Alexander Zverev or Stan Wawrinka? 🤔
Medvedev has already spoken about Gael Monfils’ retirement, with David Goffin having played his final match only yesterday in Brussels. Even here in Almaty, Mikhail Kukushkin was celebrated as he called time on a pioneering playing career in front of a thankful Kazakhstan crowd.
However, it was Stan Wawrinka who was the topic of conversation this time.
Daniil Medvedev reacts to Stan Wawrinka retiring later this year
Speaking at his Almaty Open press conference after his convincing win over Terence Atmane, responding to a question on behalf of Tennishead, Daniil Medvedev was full of praise for Wawrinka.
Discussing his legacy within the sport, the 30-year-old insisted: “I think for sure [tennis will miss him] a lot. Because he’s first of all a great guy, not talking as a tennis player.
“He’s super chilled, but on court he’s a fighter, and I enjoyed watching him a lot because… actually, when I was a junior, playing like the Grand Slams, it was the moment where he was winning them, so it was super fun to watch him grow as a player, from maybe a guy who can just play good to a guy who can win three Grand Slams and beat everyone that exists in tennis.”
Medvedev finished with what felt like a prediction, adding: “So we’re sure gonna be sad to see him go, but then… I think he will stay in tennis sooner or later. Maybe I’m wrong, but we’ll see.”
Wawrinka will finish his career with an exhibition match including Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Monfils this December.
Daniil Medvedev’s head-to-head record vs Stan Wawrinka
Medvedev and Wawrinka actually co-existed on the ATP Tour for some time, despite the Swiss superstar being 11 years his senior.
It’s a testament to the 41-year-old’s incredible longevity that he remains so culturally relevant amongst the current crop of fans and players.
They actually shared the court on six occasions, engaging in some captivating battles on some of the biggest stages in tennis.
Their first meeting came in 2017, as Medvedev claimed his first-ever main draw victory at a Grand Slam in the Wimbledon first round.
| Year | Event | Round | Winner |
| 2026 | Dubai | Round of 16 | Daniil Medvedev |
| 2025 | Rotterdam | Round of 32 | Daniil Medvedev |
| 2022 | Metz | Round of 16 | Stan Wawrinka |
| 2020 | Australian Open | Round of 16 | Stan Wawrinka |
| 2019 | US Open | Quarter-final | Daniil Medvedev |
| 2019 | Wimbledon | First Round | Daniil Medvedev |
He then won their next showdown, two years later, in the US Open quarter-finals.
Wawrinka would get his revenge in the years to come, levelling the head-to-head at two wins apiece with victories at the Australian Open and Metz.
Medvedev has since run away with their rivalry, extending his winning record to 4-2.
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