Daniil Medvedev has been named the Next Gen ATP Finals featured player of January, and has also put himself in early contention to be one of the rising stars who qualify for the inaugural event this November in Milan. 

The 20 year old from Russia started the year by reaching his first ATP World Tour final in Chennai, enabling him to jump from No. 99 in the Emirates ATP Rankings to a career-high standing of No. 63.

“I was really happy to be chosen for this. It means a lot to me,” said Medvedev. “It means I’ve had a good month and the best start to the year among the #NextGenATP players, so I’m really proud of that.”

Medvedev made plenty of improvements to his game during the off-season at his home base in Cannes, France, working on strengthening his volleys and increasing his stamina to contest long matches. He also spent four days this past December in Bretagne, France, participating in a pre-season physical training camp organised by Tecnifibre.

“It was something new that I had never done before. It was actually my first time swimming in the ocean!” said Medvedev. “It was very fun and only guys from the centre where I practise were there, so we all know each other well. It was just a fun camp with physical work and some activities, so there were also chances to relax a bit from tennis.”

The Russian is hopeful that the physical and on-court additions to his game will be enough to qualify for Milan. But with a growing crop of #NextGenATP stars, including Alexander Zverev, Borna Coric and Taylor Fritz, Medvedev knows that doing so will be a difficult task.

“It’s still a long way to get there because there are a lot of good young players who are playing well,” said Medvedev. “If you qualify for Milan, you will probably have to be ranked in the Top 100 or maybe even the Top 80, so it means you’ve had a great year. There are a lot of us who will have chances to make it to there.”

View Emirates ATP Race To Milan

Luckily for Medvedev, the chances for accomplishing his goals have been helped by a boosted bank account. He won a $50,000 cheque for being named the Tecnifibre Young Gun on the Road in 2016, beating out Mitchell Krueger, Omar Jasika and Gregoire Barrere in the four-month competition.

More: Medvedev Named Top Tecnifibre Young Gun

“I’m putting the money into everything for my career,” said Medvedev. “I could spend some of the money to buy tickets for my coach to come with me to Chennai and Melbourne. Maybe I’ll take a physio to some tournaments if I feel that I need it. It’s a very big start-up for my future.”

Medvedev plays with the Tecnifibre TFight 305 racquet. Click here to purchase in the U.S. Click here to purchase in Europe.

It did not take long for Roger Federer to reclaim the top spot among ‘Big Titles’ winners, kicking off his 2017 campaign with the Australian Open title on Sunday.

The Swiss’ fifth triumph Down Under, as a result of a thrilling 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win over Rafael Nadal, brings his Big Titles total haul to 48. Coupled with six ATP Finals crowns and 24 at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level, Federer’s 18th Grand Slam victory moves him ahead of Novak Djokovic for the Big Titles lead. He has won 89 tour-level crowns overall.

Consistency has been the hallmark of Federer’s career, since claiming his first Big Title in Hamburg nearly 16 years ago, when the tournament was a Masters 1000 event. He has since notched at least one such victory in 14 different seasons. The Swiss has played 206 tournaments at this level, averaging one title for each 4.3 events played.

Djokovic is in second place with 47 in total. The all-time Masters 1000 leader (30) has also claimed 12 major crowns and five at the ATP Finals. The World No. 2 has by the far the best conversion rate of any player, past or present, winning one Big Title for every 3.2 events played at this level.

Nadal, who was bidding for a 15th major crown, also boasts an exceptional strike rate, winning one Big Title for every 3.6 appearances. He is joint second all-time (with Pete Sampras) for most Grand Slam titles won with 14 and outright second all-time for most ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles won with 28 crowns, just two behind Djokovic’s record haul.

Current and Former Champions’ Big Titles Won (Records Since 1990)

As far as rivalries go, they’ve done it all. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have played on clay, grass and hard courts. Their matches have decided the game’s biggest trophies, and their most memorable affairs have incited Greatest Of All Time debates that will rage on for decades.

Federer and Nadal have faced off 35 times during their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry. Twenty-two of those matches have come with a trophy on the line, and 19 of those 22 have decided a Big Title – a Grand Slam, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event or the ATP Finals.

The buildup and drama has always been primetime-television worthy between the two all-time greats. But which of their battles rise to the top? Which matches have been the very best in one of the sport’s all-time greatest rivalries?

Tallying the full impact of history, the quality of the contest and what was on the line, here’s our Top 5. Disagree? Let us know in the comments section below.

5. 2005 NASDAQ-1OO Open final, Miami, hard, Federer d. Nadal 2-6 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1
The two had met only once at this point in history, but Nadal had already made it very clear that he would be a talent to be reckoned with in the years ahead and that he would have no problem challenging the Swiss champion. During their first meeting, in Miami in 2004, the Spaniard dismissed Federer 6-3, 6-3, needing only 70 minutes to introduce himself to the right-hander.

A year later, Federer was primed for revenge. He came into Miami with only one loss on the year (to Marat Safin in the semi-finals of the Australian Open) and fresh off a title in Indian Wells (d. Hewitt). Nadal had won three ATP World Tour titles during the past year and was going for his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.

The balls were flying at Federer from Nadal’s exploding topspin groundstrokes, and the Spaniard was running down everything in sight. Before he knew it, Federer was down 3/5 in the third set tie-break, two points from defeat. But he rallied back, stringing together four consecutive points to force a fourth set. During the final two sets, the Swiss wouldn’t have to rely on late heroics. He dominated Nadal to come back from two sets to love down and complete the Indian Wells-Miami “Sunshine Double” for the first time in his career.

4. 2009 Australian Open final, Melbourne, hard, Nadal d. Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-2
History would be made by the winner. For Federer it was the chance to equal Pete Sampras’ all-time record of 14 Grand Slam championship titles in front of Rod Laver, who completed the calendar year Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969. For World No. 1 Nadal, it was the opportunity to become Spain’s first Australian Open titlist in the event’s 104-year history.

Nadal had prevailed over Spanish compatriot Fernando Verdasco in five hours and 14 minutes – the Australian Open’s longest-ever match – on Friday night, while Federer had a 24-hour head-start to recover from his semi-final. The question was whether Nadal could recover both mentally and physically in time for the final and clinch his first hard-court Grand Slam crown.

Nadal had grabbed a two sets to one lead and had five opportunities to break at 3-2 in the fourth set. But the Spaniard couldn’t convert any of them, and Federer evened the final at two sets all. Many spectators assumed the momentum would change, but a mentally fatigued Federer was unable to muster any resistance as Nadal ran through the deciding set for the win.

During the presentation ceremony, a tearful Federer received consolation from Nadal, who encouraged Federer to return to the microphone to share his thoughts with the crowd. Nadal followed, telling the Swiss: “I’m sorry for today. I really know how you feel. But remember – you are one of the best players of the history and you are going to improve the 14 [of Sampras].”

Nadal was the first man since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001 to win a Grand Slam championship title with five-set victories in the semi-finals and final. At 22 years and seven months, Nadal was the second youngest player to win six Grand Slam titles after Bjorn Borg (22 years and one month) at 1978 Wimbledon.

3. 2017 Australian Open final, Melbourne, hard, Federer d. Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3
For years, many tennis observers thought they’d never see this again: Federer and Nadal meeting in a Grand Slam final. The fans and analysts weren’t being pessimistic, either. It had been three years since Nadal had won 2014 Roland Garros and almost five years since Federer hoisted the Wimbledon trophy in 2012. But here the all-time greats and friends were, proving the doubters wrong once more.

Federer had surprised even himself by reaching the Melbourne final. He was playing in his first tour-level event in more than six months after taking the second half of 2016 off because of a lingering knee injury. Nadal, too, had missed the last five weeks of the 2016 season to rest his left wrist. But it was like old times again in Melbourne, with the level of tennis high from the start of their final.

During the first four sets, the players peaked at different times, with Federer starting hot but Nadal answering. In the fifth set, though, both legends neared their apex, and it looked like Nadal would take this 35^th FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting as he broke to start the decider. The 35-year-old Federer, though, would make his comeback even more special.

The Swiss fell behind 1-3 in the fifth set but reeled off the next five games, including two service breaks, to beat Nadal and claim his fifth Australian Open title and 18^th Grand Slam crown in three hours and 38 minutes. The right-hander did it with his serve, 20 aces, and his backhand, which had been solid all tournament long and stood up to Nadal’s topspin forehand as best as it ever had. Federer flattened out his one-hander and delivered several cross-court winners against Nadal, which forced the Spaniard to stay home and limited his ability to run around his backhand.

The two have now won a combined 32 Grand Slam titles. At 35 years and 174 days, Federer became the oldest Grand Slam champion since Ken Rosewall, who won three major titles in 1970 and ’71 after celebrating his 35^th birthday.

2. 2006 Internazionali BNL d’Italia final, Rome, clay, Nadal d. Federer 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5)
Only three weeks after their four-set Monte-Carlo final that Nadal won, he and Federer were at it again. Federer rested in the time in between the two tournaments, while Nadal went to Barcelona and won another title (d. Robredo).

The Rome final, which lasted five hours and five minutes, was their best yet. Federer forced the action, successfully approaching the net again and again. But once more Nadal won the big points. Federer had two match points with Nadal serving at 5-6, 15/40 in the final set. But he missed forehands on both opportunities.

With the victory, Nadal tied Guillermo Vilas’ Open Era record of 53 straight match wins on clay. He also lifted his career record in finals to 16-2, the best winning percentage in Open Era history. Even after the defeat, Federer had an incredible 2006 record of 39-3, with all three losses coming to Nadal.

1. 2008 Wimbledon final, London, grass, Nadal d. Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7
Federer was looking to clinch his 13^th career Grand Slam title and sixth straight Wimbledon trophy. Nadal was attempting to become the first man to win the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double since Bjorn Borg in 1980, and also emulate Spanish compatriot Manuel Santana – the 1966 winner at the All England Club.

In one of the most anticipated matches of their rivalry, the two delivered some of their very best tennis. Nadal started out determined, racing to a two sets to love lead and silencing the pro-Federer crowd on Centre Court.

But Federer roared back, taking the third set after a rain delay further built the tension. The right-hander then denied Nadal three championship points in the fourth and fifth sets. But at the fourth time of asking, serving for his first Wimbledon title, Nadal sealed the victory after four hours and 48 minutes and with darkness looming.

It was the longest final in Wimbledon history (since 1877) and was immediately celebrated by analysts and journalists. John McEnroe said, “This is the greatest match I’ve ever seen.”

Sports Illustrated tennis writer Jon Wertheim later wrote a book that focused on the match titled, “Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played”.

It’s been lonely in the clubhouse.

For almost 30 years, golfing great Jack Nicklaus has been waiting for someone to join him. He probably thought Tiger Woods would be the first to sit down for a drink. But as fate would have it, it has taken a legend from another sport to equal his record of 18 major titles. Roger Federer, 35, joined the club of two by winning the Australian Open last Sunday, more than four years after winning his 17^th at Wimbledon in 2012.

But that was a relative sprint. Nicklaus, who like Federer is the second oldest major winner in the modern era, won his 17^th major at age 40 at the 1980 PGA Championship and his 18^th at the ’86 Masters as a 46-year-old.

Nicklaus has met Federer twice before, the first meeting coming at the All England Club during Federer’s 2012 title run. He’s also a huge tennis fan, with three grass courts at his North Palm Beach home. He plays regularly and some years can be spotted cheering on friends Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan at the Delray Beach Open.

Nicklaus spoke with ATPWorldTour.com just hours after Federer joined him in the exclusive ‘Club 18’.

The US is a tough time zone to be in for the Australian Open. Did you watch the final live?
I saw the first four sets and unfortunately I got called away for a business call, so I missed the last set. I’m going to watch it the next time they replay it. When I was done I got to see the speeches afterwards, which were very nice.

Were you happy to see Roger take the title and break his Grand Slam drought?
I admire both men. I think Rafa is a terrific athlete and a great competitor. It was a shame that either one of them had to lose. I’ve been a fan of Roger’s for many years and I’ve always enjoyed the way he’s handled himself, the way he’s played the game and his competitive drive. He’s represented his sport fantastically.

How did you rate the final? Was it one of the best matches in the Roger-Rafa rivalry?
I’m not an expert tennis player so for me to judge… I thought it was an awfully good match. I’ve seen the matches before. Rafa’s had the better of [the rivalry]. So it’s great to see Roger come back and do this. Any time you get those two together, it’s going to be something special.

Having unexpectedly won your 18^th major at 46, you must have a better idea than most what this title means to Roger?
Most of the first 17 I won I expected to win if I worked hard and put myself in that position. I felt like I was the best player on the golf course and that’s what I was there for. I’m sure Roger in his first 17 felt much the same way.

Then you get to a point in your career where you know that you may be beyond your peak but you get yourself to a position where you get a chance to do it again and your body and your mind remember how to do it. That’s what happened to me in ’86. I don’t think Roger had any expectations going into this event, having six months off. And all of a sudden he got to the semi-finals and finals and he said, ‘Hey, I remember how to play this game and I’m going to play it’.

After you won your 18^th did you feel that was a bonus and that you were unlikely to win any more? Do you think Roger can win a 19^th?
I think he can get to 19. I don’t think there’s any question about it. He’s had a hard time the last few years despite playing really well. He made finals on several occasions but just didn’t quite get there.

There’s a difference between 35 and 46. When you’re 35 you have a darn good chance of winning again. I’ll be watching and hoping he does win again. But if he doesn’t, he certainly has this one. Just like I competed again (without winning a major) but I had my ’86 Masters.

What are the challenges of competing at the highest level in the twilight of your career?
A lot of it is desire and what you really want to do. At the end of my career I was more interested in watching my kids compete in high school athletics and even some college athletics. All five of my kids went to college on a D1 scholarship, which is pretty unusual.

Roger’s kids aren’t at that age yet so he won’t have that. I’m sure he’s got other things he’s doing in life, but he’s still young enough that his concentration towards his sport will remain there for a few more years.

How many times have you met Roger?
We have met a couple of times at Wimbledon. The first was five years ago in 2012. [My wife] Barbara and I saw him again last year after the quarter-finals. On the two occasions I’ve seen Roger I’ve been very impressed with his demeanour. He looks you in the eye; he’s a nice young man. He was as I expected him to be.

You also have a connection with the Williams sisters and the Bryan brothers?
The Williams sisters have come over and practised at my house, but every time they have been here I have not been here. I met them one time last year. I’m a fan. What talent and what a family.

Mike has not been here but Bob has been here on several occasions. Every time he’s played here he’s been my partner and I liked that very much. He’s become a good friend and we’re doing some things for charity; an event we’re going to do this fall with golf and tennis together. Both Bob and Mike will participate.

How much do you enjoy tennis?
I Iove tennis. I am not a good player; I’m a decent tennis player. My dad introduced me to tennis as a kid. He was the city tennis champion in Columbus, where he was growing up. He was a very good athlete who played football, basketball and baseball at Ohio State. He was a pretty good golfer. He introduced me to all sports, including tennis. He taught me just enough to allow me to understand the game.

I didn’t really start playing tennis till after 30. I enjoy going to some of the tournaments [including nearby Delray Beach]. I have three grass courts here at the house. The pros in the area teach during the week and come here during the weekend. So we have some good tennis and good fun. I love the game. Anything I can do to promote the game of tennis and promote the game of golf is what I want to be part of.