The Baseline Top 5: Medvedev's 2020 highlights

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

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

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

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

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.