Former world number one Daniil Medvedev has stated that while consistency is key to reaching the top of the ATP Rankings, he considers winning Grand Slam titles a higher priority than ranking position.
The Russian, who held the top spot for 16 weeks in 2022 after winning the 2021 US Open and reaching the 2022 Australian Open final, currently sits at world number nine.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the top ranking since June 2024, with Medvedev trailing Sinner by 9,870 points.
Medvedev on Rankings and Grand Slams
"First of all, it's possible for literally everyone. You just need to play super good, super consistent," Medvedev said.
He acknowledged that improving performances at events like Rome and Roland Garros could help close the point gap, noting that anything is possible in sports.
"I know if I manage to do the right things and maybe be better in couple of components, meaning play like in Rome and Roland Garros and don't lose first rounds, you can get more points," he added.
Behind Sinner, Alcaraz holds a 2,270-point advantage over Alexander Zverev, who could surpass Alcaraz depending on Wimbledon results.
Medvedev emphasized that his primary focus is achieving his best physical performance rather than tracking points.
"For me, motivation is to try to play my best, maybe win here, and then you get 2,000 points.
Then rankings is always secondary, because it comes with good results," he said.
He elaborated that a Grand Slam title represents a higher tier of accomplishment. "I think Grand Slam is a higher achievement.
Once you win a Grand Slam in a year, you already pretend to be world No. 1," Medvedev stated.
He noted that point advantages naturally follow major successes, pointing to his own history of holding the top ranking after his US Open triumph.
"But 2,000 points is a lot, and probably if you won a Grand Slam, you will play good in other tournaments as well.
That's what happened for me," he said.
Despite ranking being secondary, Medvedev respects it as a reflection of sustained excellence over 52 weeks.
"It shows how well you have been playing for the last 52 weeks, and it's a big achievement if you manage to play better than all the other guys," he said.
Reflections on His Journey
In a separate discussion, Medvedev recalled his developmental years when observers doubted his elite potential.
"I always wanted to be world number one, but I always went step by step," he said.
He described practicing alone in his family's apartment, imagining he faced Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. "My parents hated me for that.
I hit the racket against all the walls and they ended up completely marked," he said.
Medvedev noted that he was never considered a junior prodigy.
"I was always a good player, but I never held the number one spot in any of those rankings.
I was always a bit in the shadow," he said.
He concluded that flying under the radar suited his growth. "People didn't consider me a great promise, but I always liked being under the radar," Medvedev said.
