After a difficult 2025 campaign, Daniil Medvedev has revitalised his career.
The Russian won only one Grand Slam match in 2025 but has since risen back into the ATP top 10 after strong performances in Brisbane, Dubai and Indian Wells.
Last week, the Russian defeated Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz on his way to the final, before losing to Jannik Sinner.
Despite his unconventional technique, Medvedev has proven to be one of the greatest players of his generation: a Grand Slam champion and multiple Masters 1000 champion.
Kim Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has discussed why Medvedev’s technique is effective, despite looking ‘awkward.’
Kim Clijsters says Daniil Medvedev’s technique looks ‘awkward’ due to his longer limbs
It is fair to say that Daniil Medvedev’s technique is far from the most eye-catching on the ATP Tour.
While the likes of Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz have developed smoother techniques that invite the use of heavy topspin, Medvedev’s groundstrokes are large in their nature and played with less topspin than many of his peers.
However, despite being unorthodox, they are highly effective.
Kim Clijsters discussed this matter on the Love All podcast, saying: “With Daniil Medvedev I do feel when you see his backhand technically it is a good shot. There is not a lot of room for error.
“The different type of styles that he plays, he can play a lefty Rafa who will hit a high forehand into his backhand and he can easily adjust to that.
“With the forehand I do also think that it’s because he’s taller and skinnier. I think just in general the longer limbs make it look a little bit different, I think.
“Because he can adjust very easily to different opponents and the different types of tennis that he has to face.
“So I don’t think his technique is one that you would teach the kids, but I do think it’s the longer limbs that make it look more awkward than a shorter player like a Moutet.”
The Russian will hope to continue his good form at the Miami Open – a tournament he won in 2023.
The Miami courts should suit Medvedev’s game style: the courts have historically been quicker than those in Indian Wells, benefitting players who – like Medvedev – have powerful groundstrokes and a potent serve.
Daniil Medvedev’s Miami Open draw
Medvedev is seeded ninth in Miami and has consequently been handed an automatic bye through to the second round.
There he will face Aleksandar Kovacevic or Japanese starlet Rei Sakamoto.
If Medvedev advances to the third round, he will likely play Francisco Cerundolo, before potentially facing off against Ben Shelton in the fourth round.
Medvedev has the opportunity to significantly boost his ranking in Miami.
The 30-year-old lost his opening match at the event last year [to Jaume Munar], earning only 30 ATP ranking points.
Consequently, he can earn a further 970 ATP points at this year’s event, should he win the tournament.