Daniil Medvedev finds silver lining after disappointing Australian Open defeat to Jannik Sinner

It can be difficult to find positives in the immediate aftermath of any loss, but Daniil Medvedev would have been forgiven if he needed more time than average after his heartbreaking Australian Open defeat to Jannik Sinner.

The former world No. 1 appeared on course for a long-awaited second major victory when he stormed through the first two sets of the 2024 men’s final on Sunday, moving within six points of victory at 4-4 in the third set before Sinner recovered to win in five.

But Medvedev still had enough magic left to deliver a rousing runner-up speech during the trophy ceremony, coming up with a one-liner that left the Rod Laver crowd in stitches.

Addressing the crowd after congratulating Sinner, Medvedev mused:

“It always hurts to lose in the final, but probably being in the final is better than losing before!”

Medvedev began his Melbourne campaign by revealing a New Year’s Resolution to show more positivity on court, and the 2021 US Open champion largely made good on that promise through seven matches, reaching his third final Down Under while treating fans to a series of spectacular on-court interviews.

While he may have not earned the ultimate karma—or was it calma?—that would have come with winning the title, Medvedev stayed the course with his inimitable mix of humor and pathos, sending a special message to his wife and daughter.

“I don’t know, maybe they turned off the TV,” he joked, “but Dasha, Alisa if you’re watching: I felt like you were here with me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it today but I’m going to try and make it work next time for you.”

Medvedev will indeed take plenty of positives from his Melbourne run, one that narrowed the ranking gap between himself and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz to just under 500 points, and a sixth career major final that will seemingly motivate him to strive for a lucky No. 7.

“I always want to win, but I guess I have to try harder next time.”