2025 Showdown: Medvedev vs. Zverev
A gripping saga unfolds as Medvedev fortifies his lead in an exhilarating rivalry.
November 28, 2025
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev currently leads Alexander Zverev 14-8 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head matchup.
By Jerome Coombe
As we celebrate the close of another electrifying season, ATPTour.com is excited to present our annual ‘Best Of’ series, highlighting the most captivating rivalries, matches, comebacks, upsets, and more. This week, we delve into the standout rivalries of the year.
After a singular meeting in 2024, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev reignited their storied rivalry in 2025 through three unforgettable matches. In these high-stakes showdowns—one featuring dramatic match-point saves—Medvedev solidified his dominance in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, pushing his lead to 14-8. Let’s revisit their remarkable encounters from 2025.
Halle SFs: Medvedev d. Zverev 7-6(3), 6-7(1), 6-4
Medvedev embarked on his first tour-level final in 15 months but first had to outmaneuver Zverev, an opponent integral to his journey. Their opening clash of the season at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle was significant, marking their first grass meeting in their nine-year rivalry, unfolding with the intensity reflective of their long-standing competition: tactical, tense, and marked by momentum swings.
Medvedev surged ahead with a set-and-a-break advantage and even held two match points at 6-5 in the second. Yet, Zverev unleashed a series of bold, improvised shots, with a half-volley winner punctuating a mesmerizing 21-shot rally, allowing him to clinch the second set in a tie-break.
However, Medvedev, often the steadier force in their encounters, seized control in the final set, saving all four break points he faced, as per Infosys ATP Stats. While he fell short in the championship match against Alexander Bublik, this victory reaffirmed his recent hold over Zverev.
“I’m pleased with how composed I remained in the third set, managing to fend off those break points,” Medvedev remarked. “Every match we play is tight. When the stakes are high like today, anything can happen.”
Beijing QFs: Medvedev d. Zverev 6-3, 6-3
At the China Open in Beijing, Medvedev sought to gain momentum as the season wound down. His quarter-final against Zverev was crucial, amplifying the stakes as he aimed for a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals.
From the very beginning, Medvedev delivered a powerful statement performance, marking a notch above his usual efficiency against his fiercest rival. As evidenced by TDI Insights, his average Shot Quality surged to 9.1 for forehands and 8.8 for backhands against Zverev, a clear indication of how he steps up to the occasion. The result was a commanding display that overwhelmed Zverev from start to finish.
This triumph marked Medvedev’s first Top-5 victory on hard courts since the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, serving as a springboard for a late-season resurgence that included semi-final appearances in Beijing and Shanghai, alongside a title in Almaty. Although he narrowly missed a Nitto ATP Finals berth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, his performance against Zverev was a pivotal moment in his revival.
Paris QFs: Zverev d. Medvedev 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(5)
In a gritty battle at the Rolex Paris Masters, Zverev broke his five-match losing streak against Medvedev, saving two match points to secure his place in the semi-finals.
This victory came at a critical juncture in both players’ journeys: Zverev was tasked with defending his title at the ATP Masters 1000 event while Medvedev sought to keep his Turin hopes alive. With their rivalry having favored Medvedev in recent years, Zverev finally broke through by maintaining aggression in crucial moments and refusing to back down—even when faced with potential defeat at 4-5 in the final set.
“Daniil is like my kryptonite; I really struggle against him,” Zverev admitted post-match. “He’s had my number for the past couple of years. What I’m most proud of is saving those match points and remaining brave in the pivotal moments to clinch the win.”
