When Daniil Medvedev ascended to world No. 1 in 2022, he didn't just break a record—he shattered an 18-year dynasty. For nearly two decades, the top spot in men's tennis belonged exclusively to the "Big Four": Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Medvedev's rise marked a seismic shift, making him only the third Russian ever to reach the pinnacle, joining legends Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.

Now, former American star Sam Querrey is offering a fascinating take on how Medvedev's unconventional style—what he calls an "ugly game"—actually fueled his ascent. In a candid interview with the ATP Tour website, Querrey broke down the unique mechanics behind Medvedev's success.

"He was a great returner. He hit an awkward ball; it was hard to attack against him," Querrey explained. "He was tall, but played great defence for a tall guy. He kind of perfected that, I hate to say, that ugly game that he has. I feel like he put people in really uncomfortable rallies, time and time again."

What's particularly intriguing is Querrey's observation about Medvedev's serve. Despite standing 6'6", Medvedev's serve rarely dominates the conversation. "His serve was just good," Querrey noted. "For a 6'6" guy, we never talk about him as one of the best serves at any given time. He was kind of this taller guy that you talk about the other parts of his game and not his serve. Maybe that's why he got to No. 1."

It's a compelling point: while towering players like John Isner or Ivo Karlovic are often defined by their booming serves, Medvedev's all-court versatility—his defensive prowess, awkward ball-striking, and relentless consistency—set him apart. "It does seem like a lot of times when you're talking about the tall guys, you're always talking about their serve, and they're not No. 1," Querrey added. "Medvedev's one of these guys that serve's not the first thing that comes to mind, and he got to No. 1."

After a challenging 2025 season, Medvedev has roared back in 2026 with renewed confidence. He kicked off the year by winning the Brisbane International, followed by a fourth-round run at the Australian Open. Though early exits in Rotterdam and Doha tested his momentum, he bounced back emphatically by claiming the Dubai title. A runner-up finish at Indian Wells showed his consistency, even if results dipped slightly in Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid.

Now, Medvedev has found his footing on clay once more. As he prepares to face Jannik Sinner for a spot in the Italian Open final, the world is watching to see if his "ugly game" can carry him to yet another milestone. One thing is clear: Medvedev's path to the top was anything but conventional—and that might just be its greatest strength.