Medjedovic returns to Jeddah: 'The best memories of my life'

If there is anyone who knows a thing or two about finishing a season in style, it is Hamad Medjedovic.

The 21-year-old, who soared to glory at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, was invited back as a guest to this year’s edition. Despite now being unable to take part in the event, which is for 20-and-under players, reigning champion Medjedovic has little trouble remembering the success he achieved 12 months ago.

“I have really amazing memories, maybe the best memories of my life here,” said Medjedovic, who went undefeated in Jeddah last year. “Once I landed, I started feeling amazing, reliving these memories from last year. It's a bit weird that I'm not playing [this year], but I'm really happy and thrilled to be here.

“I enjoyed every moment [last year]. It was definitely the best tournament that I've ever played. I liked the place, the crowd and the format of playing, it was a bit different. I enjoyed everything about the tournament.”

Finishing the year with a flourish is something that all players dream of, though a feat which few rarely achieve. But Medjedovic has shown his credentials as a master of the home straight of an ATP Tour season.

Having last year capped his breakthrough season with the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF crown, Medjedovic finished his 2024 campaign by reaching his maiden ATP Tour final in his hometown of Belgrade. After losing to Denis Shapovalov in the title match, the Serbian was denied the fairytale ending of being presented with the winner's trophy by his mentor and countryman, Novak Djokovic. 

“It was quite similar to last year coming here,” Medjedovic said of his week in Belgrade. “I had zero expectations. It was my last tournament of the season and we were a bit exhausted at the end.

“I had no pressure on myself playing at home. It was also special. I had many, many people watching me, a great crowd supporting me in every match. I was just feeling better and better. I had a good run.”

Despite reaching a career high of No. 102 in the PIF ATP Rankings at the end of last season, Medjedovc has struggled to retrieve the same form in 2024. Hindered by illness and injury, Medjedovic tallied an 18-15 win-loss record at all levels this year, according to Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

Jeddah's 2023 championship match, which Medjedovic clinched against top seed Arthur Fils, feels rather distant when comparing the contrasting seasons they have experienced. While Medjedovic has been hindered, Fils has climbed to No. 20 in the PIF ATP Rankings with two ATP 500 titles to his name in Hamburg and Tokyo. 

Yet the weight of expectation that comes with being a Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion seems not to have dissuaded Medjedovic, who remains adamant in his approach, regardless of the setbacks.

“There were some expectations that I put on myself after winning the title here last year,” admitted Medjedovic. “It took me some time to get rid of that [but] I realised that I still have to play, nothing much has changed [since winning in Jeddah].

“I have some extra confidence and a boost, but nothing's really changed and I just kept practising and playing as best as I could and then found my rhythm again. I was struggling in the beginning of the year with the viruses, but then once I recovered, I started practising again and everything was back in its place.

“I want to stay healthy and then fit for the whole season, hopefully. I don't want to set any particular goals, to say I want to be Top 100, Top 50 or whatever, I just want to be fit and healthy and then see what I can do.”