Daniil Medvedev is confident he can retain his title as a tennis “disruptor” as he prepares to shake up the recurring domination of the next generation.

Coming off the back of a season where he failed to lift a trophy – his first time since 2017 – Medvedev’s eyes are set on starting the season as a champion.

Featuring in three of the past four Australian Open finals, Medvedev has yet to claim the top prize at Melbourne Park, having fallen short to Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

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Two of the championship battles were extended to a five-set match as the Russian went on to be named the runner-up.

But his time at Melbourne Park in 2025 is one he hopes will be different.

With the main draws confirmed, reigning champion Sinner sits within Medvedev’s half of the draw.

Along with Carlos Alcaraz, the Italian star is at the top of Medvedev’s list of players that he aims to dethrone.

Medvedev’s record against the young stars was one he admitted needed to be improved if he wanted to increase his major title victory list.

“I didn’t manage [to be a disruptor] last year, expect the Australian Open,” he said.

“I was less of a disruptor because Carlos and Jannik were beating me a lot of times… a lot of tournaments, I was getting to good stages but not able to beat them.

“I would like to become a (disruptor) again because it means that I will be able to get to these later stages and win them.”

A decade on from his professional debut, Medvedev’s training and priorities have shifted to incorporate his family lifestyle.

The 28-year-old was absent from all warm-up tournaments on Australian soil earlier this month, but later announced the birth of his second child with wife Daria.

“I feel in a great place. Very happy,” he said of the birth of his daughter.

“Life on tour, the day the baby is born and the next day you’re on a flight to Australia which takes 24 hours… a 10-hour difference. But that’s fine with me. I always said I like tennis and I like travelling.

“I’m feeling great before the start of the season and looking forward to (competing).

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“I don’t want to make too big of a statement, but I felt like it was one of the best pre-seasons I’ve had in quite some time. I think five weeks, which is a lot.

“Last year, I made the same decisions, no tournaments.

“I don’t really see myself ever playing something before the Australian Open (again) because I really like to spend time with my family, which is growing.

“I feel like I’m at the age where I want to be home.”