"Carlos Alcaraz is the toughest opponent I have faced" - Daniil Medvedev compares Spaniard to Federer, Nadal and Djokovic after Wimbledon SF loss

After losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, Daniil Medvedev drew comparisons between the Spaniard and Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Medvedev went on to praise Alcaraz, stating that the World No.3 was the "toughest opponent" he has ever faced.

Fifth seed Medvedev was defeated 7(1)-6, 3-6, 4-6, 4-6 by defending champion, Alcaraz in two hours and 55 minutes at the Centre Court in the semifinal of the grasscourt Major. This loss marked the second time the Spaniard had bested Medvedev in the final-four stage at Wimbledon, having previously defeated him at the same stage in 2023.

During the post match press conference Daniil Medvedev was asked if it was possible to compare the World No.3's playing style to that of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

In response, the Russian said that each player: Alcaraz, Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal, possessed a different and a unique playing style.

“The thing is I played the Big 3 when they were let’s call it ‘old’ or over 30 so it’s a bit different. They’re all different, all different in their own way, in their game," Daniil Medvedev said [10:08].

The World No.5 stated that it was impossible to compare the Big 3 and Alcaraz directly as each of them possess distinct qualities and playing styles. Medvedev explained that each player excelled in different aspects of the game, making them formidable opponents in their own right .

"I feel like you can’t even take something from one and compare it to another because Roger [Federer] plays on the line. He hits his beautiful technique, shots, goes to the net. Novak [Djokovic] plays also on the line but completely different. Amazing defense, like a pinball player where the ball comes back so fast at you. Rafa [Nadal] is completely different. He can stand 10 meters behind but he’s gonna run to every ball, banana shot, lefty," he added [10:26].

Daniil Medvedev then opined that Carlos Alcaraz has nothing similar to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic and that he has his own game. He stated that while some player prefer to play "defense," some prefer "counter attack" and some prefer to be "super aggressive," Alcaraz is someone who prefers all.

"I don’t think Carlos has anything from them. It’s a different game style. I think where Carlos is different from many players, we all have our preferences, some prefer defense, some prefer counter attack, some prefer to be super aggressive. He can do all of it. He can sometimes slice, even a bad slice and then run and try to win like this," Daniil Medvedev said [10:54].

Medvedev went on to praise Carlos Alcaraz and described him as the "toughest opponent" he has ever faced in his career.

"But then when you hit him many times when guys do this, you can play with them, you hit them. They are an easy shot back and they don’t want to attack. But that’s not Carlos. If you give him an easy shot, you know it’s over for you. That’s what makes it tough. Probably in my career, he’s the toughest opponent I have faced. But I have time to try to do better,” he added [11:21].

Daniil Medvedev has won only twice against Carlos Alcaraz in his career

Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz [Image Source: Getty Images]

Daniil Medvedev has won over Carlos Alcaraz on two occasions throughout his career. The two players have faced each other a total of seven times on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard claiming victory in five of those encounters

Their first meeting took place in the second round of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Medvedev was the second seed in the tournament and defeated wildcard Alcaraz 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

The next instance during which Daniil Medvedev had defeated Carlos Alcaraz was in the semifinals of the 2023 US Open, winning 7-6(3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. However, Medvedev then went onto lose 3-6, 6-7(5), 3-6 in the final of the New York Slam to Novak Djokovic who won his fourth US Open title and record-extending 24th Grand Slam title overall.