Daniil Medvedev reveals real reason why he doesn't like playing against Learner Tien

Daniil Medvedev stated that he doesn’t want to play Learner Tien in 2026 because his game gets blocked, and he believes it’s the same for Tien as well.

Daniil Medvedev began his year with a heartbreaking defeat to 19-year-old Tien in the Australian Open. He then achieved a milestone with his quarterfinal appearance at the Qatar Open, and also advanced to the Indian Wells semifinals. He posted strong runs in a couple of tournaments but faltered in some, too, besides parting ways with his long-time coach, Gilles Cervara.

The Russian player then joined the likes of Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke and won the Almaty Open title, his first achievement in two years. Medvedev's quarterfinals exit from the Paris Masters denied him a spot in the ATP Finals, thus ending his season early.

Ahead of the 2026 season, the 29-year-old revealed that he wouldn't like to face Learner Tien next time onwards. He explained that he gets to play differently with other players, but with the latter, his tennis becomes stalled, and he believes that's the case with Tien as well.

"Tien. For some reason they keep bringing us together…I might get a little carried away in many matches, but with him I’m simply blocked at one point…It’s also hard for him too and that’s why I think he also doesn’t want to play with me," he said in an interview with Tennis Bolshoi.

Medvedev and Tien faced three times this year, and the latter leads their head-to-head.

Daniil Medvedev once said that he doesn’t care if he plays tennis worse because he has his family

Daniil Medvedev at the Rolex Paris Masters 2025 - Day 4 - Source: Getty

Daniil Medvedev married Daria Medvedeva, a junior-level player, in 2018 after years of being together. The loving couple welcomed their daughters, Alisa and Victoria, in 2025. The Russian player has had tumultuous times on the tour, either falling short on the court or engaging in controversies.

In an interview in September this year, the 29-year-old shared that despite wanting to improve his game, he wouldn't care if he plays badly because he has his family with him.

"I definitely love my two daughters, I love my wife. It's not a problem for me. Even if I play tennis worse because I have a second daughter, I'm happy about it and I don't care. For sure I was concerned. I'm still concerned. I'm trying to find a way to show everyone that I'm capable of doing big things again."

Daniil Medvedev won the 2021 US Open title but couldn't replicate his feat in the following Majors.