Daniil Medvedev became the first Russian to debate the world ATP top three players at the season finale as he won the biggest title of his career on Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals.
Medvedev after defeating Novak Djokovic battled past US Open champion Dominic Thiem 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 in a game that lasted two hours and 43 minutes to win the Nitto ATP Finals.
The Russian also ousted World No. 2 Rafael Nadal earlier in the week en route to the final.
The Russian is only the fourth player to accomplish the feat at a single event since the start of the ATP Tour in 1990.
Medvedev is the first player from his country to win the year-end championships since Nikolay Davydenko in 2009.
Speaking after his sweet victory the Russian pay tribute to Nikolay Davydenko who he described as inspiration for many kids.
“I always said before this tournament that it would be an amazing story if, here in London, where the tournament was for [12] years, that the first champion would be Russian and the last champion would be Russian, too,” Medvedev said during the trophy ceremony.
“A lot of thanks to Nikolay Davydenko for being an inspiration for many kids [like] me [by] winning here.
” I hope to continue doing his job.”
Reflecting on the tough game against Thiems, Medvedev said it is one of his best victories.
“I think it was the toughest victory in my life because Dominic is a really tough player to play.
“I think today he was at his best,” Medvedev said.
“Maybe it’s not the case, but that’s what I felt during the match.
“He was really close to winning it [in the] second set. I managed to stay there.”
