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The Baseline Top 5: Medvedev's 2020 highlights

The Russian capped off a wild year in perfect fashion.

By Van Sias

2020 has been a year of ups, downs and all-arounds for everyone. Just ask Daniil Medvedev.

The world No. 4 had his share of struggles, but ended the year with a run for the ages. Here’s a look at some of his best moments over the course of the season. (Photos: Getty Images)

1

The Champ of Champs

Throughout the week in London, Medvedev was in fine form, for the most part. Even when he wasn’t, though, he displayed the never-give-up attitude that served him so well in 2019. The end result was the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals.

2

Three the Hard Way

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Daniil Medvedev of Russia comes to the net after winning his singles semi final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day seven of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 21, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© 2020 Getty Images

Before his win against Thiem in the finals, Medvedev fought back from the brink of defeat against Rafael Nadal in the semis. Earlier in the tournament, he posted a win against Novak Djokovic in group play. That all adds up to wins against the world’s top three players, making Medvedev the first player to pull off that feat at the ATP Finals.

3

Parisian Splendor

Russia's Daniil Medvedev celebrates with the trophy after winning his men's singles final tennis match against Germany's Alexander Zverev, on day 7 at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 - Paris Masters (Paris Bercy) - indoor tennis tournament at The AccorHotels Arena in Paris on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
© AFP via Getty Images

Of course, this was a shorter season at the Masters 1000 level, with only three of the nine tournaments held. At the last one of the year in Paris, Medvedev ended his title-winning drought by beating Alexander Zverev in the final. It was the perfect momentum booster for the Russian heading to London, where he managed to beat Zverev again—the first time he had taken consecutive matches against the German.

4

He Loves NYC

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Daniil Medvedev (L) of Russia taps rackets with Andrey Rublev (R) of Russia at center court after winning during their Men's Singles quarterfinal match on Day Ten of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 9, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© 2020 Getty Images

Though he wasn’t able to ride the crowd’s emotions—good or bad—to the final of the US Open this year, Medvedev still put in a commanding performance to reach the semifinals. He didn’t drop a set through his first five matches, with his run including dominant wins against Frances Tiafoe and Andrey Rublev.

5

A Real Team Player

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov, Marat Safin, Teymuraz Gabashvili, Ivan Nedelko and Konstantin Kravchuk of Team Russia take a selfie after winning the Group D pool during day five of the 2020 ATP Cup Group Stage at RAC Arena on January 07, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
© 2020 Getty Images

Medvedev got off to a strong start in 2020 at the inaugural edition of the ATP Cup. With tennis’ short offseason, it’s hard to storm out of the gates, especially after playing deep into the prior year. All of that extra tennis at the end of 2019 evidently didn’t faze Medvedev as he led Russia to the semifinals without losing a match, before Novak Djokovic stopped him in the semifinals.