Grand slam winner Daniil Medvedev has been left asking himself the same question world tennis is pondering following his shock defeat to Alex de Minaur - can his Australian conqueror go all the way to the French Open title?
Fifth seed Medvedev, the 2021 US Open winner and a six-time grand slam finalist, lavished the Sydneysider with praise after his 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-3 defeat in the last 16 at Roland Garros on Monday, saying he had never seen de Minaur play so well.
And asked about the Sydneysider's chances of going on to become the tournament's first Australian men's winner since Rod Laver in 1969, Medvedev said it could be down to whether the 25-year-old has the belief he's ready to join the game's elite.
"It depends, because today he played probably the best match we played," Medvedev, who lost for the third time against de Minaur in their first meeting on clay, said.
"I watched his matches on clay this year to try to see which tactic to play ... but I didn't see him play like this.
"I mean, his serve today, he was serving better than most guys I played on clay, so that was surprising.
"Today he improved, big time in every aspect. Then it comes to the point where we know that Alex can beat anyone - I think he did already beat Novak (Djokovic), everyone, Rafa on clay.
"But then it's a question of whether you're ready to do it week in, week out, and become No.1 in the world, two in the world, three in the world.
"He's close there, so he's a top player, then it's a question (of) what he does in quarters. If he plays the same like he played today, let's see."
Pressed on who he thinks will win the title, Medvedev still believes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the men to beat.
De Minaur has yet to defeat either of those players, who are seeded second and third in Paris.
"Predictions are a little bit disrespectful, because when you say someone, it's like you're a bit underestimating the other guys," Medvedev said.
"At the moment, seeing Novak (Djokovic) struggling with his leg (in his win against Francisco Cerundolo), I would say Carlos or Jannik because they are both playing good.
"Jannik had a tough one (against Corentin Moutet) yesterday, managed to come back.
"They both have a slam, they have experience. They are in the top two, three in the world, so my opinion, Carlos or Jannik - but let's see."
