Daniil Medvedev failed to get the better of Novak Djokovic in the 2021 Australian Open final.
The dictionary defines 'cyborg' as a fictional or hypothetical person whose physical abilities are extended beyond normal human limitations by mechanical elements built into the body. Due to the sheer longevity of their careers, Daniil Medvedev chose Djokovic, Nadal and Federer as the 'cyborgs of tennis'.
Medvedev has been pitched as one of the few players around in the men's tennis circuit with the capability to challenge the dominance of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer. The 25-year-old Russian had a good chance of breaking Djokovic's hold on the Australian Open but was found short of the mark.
Medvedev described Djokovic, Nadal and Federer as the toughest opponents that the Russian has faced during his career.
"We're talking about some cyborgs of tennis in a good way," Medvedev had said after his loss to Nadal in the 2019 US Open final. They're just unbelievable. When they're in the zone, and I'm not shy to say it, I feel like they're just better tennis players … than the rest of us."
"For sure I think in the world of tennis we talk about Grand Slams more than anything else. But this is also a small competition, [and] I’m sure Novak Djokovic’s really happy about it. The way he’s played, he’s definitely capable of catching 400 weeks. We're going to try to not let him do this."
Medvedev was full of praise for Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and stressed that there was so much to learn from not only the passion and determination of the Big 3 but from their skills as well.
"They are just different. Their Grand Slam achievements are crazy. I do not know how they were able to win so much. After their retirement I would like to ask them what went through their mind and how they prepare."
Medvedev, who ended up as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the 2021 Australian Open, now has his eyes set on further widening the gap between him and Rafael Nadal by clinching the ATP 250 event in Marseille.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have lifted 14 of the last 15 Grand Slams, and have won a total of 58 Majors between them. On the other hand, Medvedev climbed to his highest career ranking of No. 2 in men's singles on 15 March 2021.
