Yevgeny Kafelnikov had a lot to say about Daniil Medvedev before the China Open began.
As the only other Russian man to have won a Grand Slam singles title, Kafelnikov often shares his thoughts on Medvedev.
Recently, Kafelnikov questioned Medvedev’s work ethic, suggesting he doesn’t train as hard as he used to.
Proving Kafelnikov wrong, or at least trying to… Medvedev reached the last four of the China Open, defeating world number three Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.
Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images
Reacting to the 29-year-old’s quarterfinal win, Kafelnikov had this to say about Medvedev’s efforts in Beijing.
Yevgeny Kafelnikov thinks Daniil Medvedev may have become more ‘psychologically stable’ in Beijing
During the latest episode of ‘Hardcourt’, Kafelnikov shared his thoughts on Medvedev’s run to the China Open semifinals.
“I think in general we need to talk about the positive things now about [Daniil] Medvedev,” he said.
“I’m getting accused again of speaking badly about Daniil. I’m speaking purely objectively, I think.
“The fact that he’s already won three matches in a row suggests that maybe his confidence is returning. Three matches in a row, I don’t know the last time he won three matches in a row this season.”
Medvedev last won three matches in a row at the Halle Open in June, where he lost in the final to Alexander Bublik.
- 1. 2025 Halle Open 1R – Daniil Medvedev defeated Daniel Altmaier
- 2. 2025 Halle Open 2R – Daniil Medvedev defeated Quentin Halys
- 3. 2025 Halle Open QF – Daniil Medvedev defeated Alex Michelsen
- 4. 2025 Halle Open SF – Daniil Medvedev defeated Alexander Zverev
Kafelnikov then highlighted what impressed him the most about Medvedev’s quarterfinal win over Zverev.
“A big plus is that he didn’t lose his serve, even though [Alexander] Zverev had breakpoints,” he said.
Stats from Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev
“What could be said about the way Medvedev has been playing recently? When he had a chance to serve out the match, he lost the serve and then gave the match away.
“We can maybe say that he has become psychologically stable.”
The episode was recorded before Medvedev’s semifinal match with Learner Tien, which explains why Kafelnikov said this.
“I will say that if he beats him and reaches the final, we can say that he really could have a successful end to the season, which is what we are hoping for,” he said.
Unfortunately for Medvedev, he failed in his bid to reach the final, struggling with cramp during his three-set defeat to Tien.
Photo by China Open Official 2025/VCG via Getty Images
Medvedev is now 4-2 since hiring Thomas Johansson as his coach last month.
Kafelnikov admitted last week he wasn’t too sure how much of an impact the Swede would have on Medvedev, as he now reveals what he thought of Johansson when they played each other on tour.
Thomas Johansson was ‘very unpleasant’ to play against – Yevgeny Kafelnikov
Johansson and Kafelnikov played each other 14 times in total, with the former winning their head-to-head, 9-5.
Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Thomas Johansson’s head-to-head record
The Russian lost eight matches in a row against Johansson during the 1990s, as he now explains how Medvedev’s new coach drove him crazy.
“He was a very unpleasant player for me,” said Kafelnikov.
“I actually had two of those, which caused me a lot of discomfort. [Thomas] Johansson and Dominik Hrbaty. They just drove me crazy, because no matter how hard I hit, the ball came back twice as hard.
“The only times I could do something against them was when, after serving, I went to the net and came up with something, but I didn’t have enough physical strength to do that for three, four, five sets. That’s an energy-sapping style of tennis, which I hadn’t practiced.
“But every time I stayed on the baseline, I struggled; therefore, these two players took so many potential titles away from me during my career. It’s impossible to even imagine.”
Once a fierce rival of Johansson’s, Kafelnikov will be hoping the 50-year-old can guide Medvedev to success when he returns to the court at the Shanghai Masters.
Who will Daniil Medvedev play in his opening match at the Shanghai Masters?
Seeded 16th in Shanghai, Medvedev has received a bye into round two, where he will play either Dalibor Svrcina or Yibing Wu.
Medvedev leads the head-to-head with both players and would set foot on court as a strong favorite to reach the third round.
- Daniil Medvedev (2-1) Yibing Wu
- Daniil Medvedev (1-0) Dalibor Svrcina
He could well be in with a great chance of making a deep run in Shanghai, following Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the tournament.
Looking at the names in the top half of the draw, few have enjoyed the same success as Medvedev in China over the years.
2025 Shanghai Masters – Seeded players in sections 1-4
As the only former champion in the top half of the draw, Medvedev will hope to make a strong run to the final in 2025, where he would likely meet either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
Only time will tell how Medvedev will perform in Shanghai, but it will certainly be worth tuning in for.
Medvedev will play his second-round match on Friday, October 3.