Tim Henman tips Daniil Medvedev to return to No.1 ahead of Novak Djokovic 'pretty rapidly' after Miami Open loss

Tim Henman is backing Daniil Medvedev to make a «rapid» return to the top of the men’s world rankings after missing the chance to usurp Novak Djokovic at the Miami Open. The 26-year-old Russian needed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament to reclaim the title of world No.1 from the Serbian, but came up short as he was beaten in straight sets by defending champion Hubert Hurkacz in the last eight.

Ad/> Former British No.1 Henman feels the fact the 2021 US Open winner has already topped the rankings will mean he can shrug off the disappointment quickly and is confident an improved showing on the clay this season will see him back where he wants to be sooner rather than later. ATP MiamiHurkacz ends Medvedev's No.1 hopes to reach Miami semis2 HOURS AGO “In the context of that conversation, if Medvedev hadn’t already been No.1, then it is a big issue, but the fact he’s already been there – and yes, he’d rather be one than two – means I don’t think it’s such a big issue for Medvedev," said Henman on Amazon Prime.

“If you look at the ranking points coming up, because he played so poorly on clay last year, I think he will get back to one pretty rapidly, especially if Djokovic is only playing a curtailed schedule.” Medvedev will start the clay season just 10 points behind Djokovic in the rankings. Hurkacz ends Medvedev's No.1 ambitions in Miami Kyrgios hit with four fines after Miami meltdown Both are expected to play on clay for the first time in 2022 at the Monte-Carlo Masters, which begins on April 10.

Medvedev failed to produce his best tennis throughout the showdown with Hurkacz, who once again demonstrated his liking for the conditions in Miami. The reigning champion held off his opponent’s late fightback in the first