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Daniil Medvedev has happily played the villain at the Australian Open but the world No.3 insists he's matured and will be trying to keep his head down in 2024.

It's a case of 'new year, new me' for Daniil Medvedev.

But just like every other person who set lofty goals for 2024, the world No.3 knows it's easier said than done.

The feisty Russian has enjoyed his running battles with crowds, particularly at the Australian and US Opens were he has a combined five finals appearances for one title.

But the 27-year-old says he took a long, hard look at himself during a storming finish to the 2023 season - and has returned to Melbourne Park a new man.

"Sometimes it could be not fair, in a way," he said of being portrayed as tennis's pantomime villain.

"Life is not fair (but) sometimes I would deserve it for different actions that I did.

"That's what I'm saying; I want to change, I want to mature.

"I've done a big step these last months and hopefully people can see it on the court, because that's the toughest challenge.

"When you're on court, that's where the adrenalin is highest and it's tougher to control your emotions."

Beaten comfortably in the 2021 Australian Open final by Novak Djokovic, Medvedev turned the tables to trounce the Serbian later that year at Flushing Meadows and claim his maiden grand slam.

He returned to Australia in 2022 and could only watch as Rafael Nadal rallied from two sets down to beat him in an incredible decider.

At last year's Open, Medvedev lost in the third round to dip out of the world's top 10.

His response was to win 25 of his next 26 matches, claiming four titles in five tournaments and finishing the year with an ATP-best 66 victories.

Usually Medvedev would play at least one lead-up tournament in Australia before arriving at Melbourne Park.

But he said it was time to mix it up after feeling the pinch at the back-end of the year.

"There is a risk always," he said of his scheduling call.

"But otherwise I would be 35 years old and I would have never spent a New Year at home.

"I decided that it is a year to try. I had a vacation, first time at the end of the season, maybe in four years.

"It's a constant question you ask yourself, 'How, next time, do I feel better during this part of the season or this part of the season?'.

"I don't think anyone has the answer, but you always try to find it."

Medvedev's draw is relatively kind, with in-form Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and either Holger Rune or world No.9 Hubert Hurkacz potentially waiting in the fourth round and quarter-finals.

He'll play a qualifier in the first round and, for those who enjoy some Medvedev mid-match banter, admits he can't promise anything despite his best intentions.

"If something happens, I just want to kind of go with who I am, try to do less of the stupid things that don't help me as a person and tennis player," he said.

"Hopefully I can achieve it this season, and we're going to see a new Daniil Medvedev.

"(But) it's too early to say. We'll have to see at the end of the season."