A former world number one, Medvedev began the 2025 season at fifth in the rankings but dropped as low as 18th in a turbulent year.
As well as breaking the net camera, Medvedev also suffered a meltdown in New York after a photographer walked onto court during the match.
He did end his title drought, winning the Almaty Open in October for his first trophy in 882 days, but missed out on November’s end-of-season ATP Finals in Turin for the top eight men’s players.
“What happened last year happened, and it’s OK. It’s part of career, part of life,” he said.
“I managed to finish the year like 12 or 13, which is great for many players.
“Of course, I was not happy.”
The 29-year-old said his struggles last season stemmed from his mental outlook on the court, rather than his physical condition.
“In my tennis, I was not feeling great at times,” Medvedev said.
“It’s not easy, because you’re like, ‘why is my backhand down the line is not going that good? Why is my serve is not going that good?’
“Mentally you start pushing yourself and you start to be a bit more tense during the matches.”
Following his first-round US Open exit, Medvedev split with long-time coach Gilles Cervara after more than eight years working together.
He has added Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke to his team – a set-up that appears to be working well for Medvedev, given the two titles he has won since they teamed up.
“I’m feeling great with my new team, so I don’t really go too much into the past,” he added.
The 11th seed, who twice failed to serve out the match against De Jong before triumphing after two hours and 53 minutes, will face Quentin Halys of France next.
Russia’s Andrey Rublev also advanced with a 6-4 6-2 6-3 win over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
However, British number three Jacob Fearnley suffered a 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 3-6 7-6 (7-3) defeat by Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak.
Edinburgh-born Fearnley suffered an awkward fall during the fourth set and received some treatment to his hip.
