Daniil Medvedev news: Russian praises Rafael Nadal’s level but hits out at fans

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Daniil Medvedev loses his cool

Daniil Medvedev has praised Rafael Nadal for his strength during the match whilst he criticised those in the stands over their behaviour during his defeat to the Spaniard in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Medvedev believes the fans were “disappointing” and “disrespectful” following several disturbances during the showpiece match on Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal came from two sets down to beat Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to lift his record 21st Grand Slam title.

It is not the first time the world No 2 was frustrated with fans at Melbourne Park, the Russian had a run-in with the umpire during his semi-final match against Stefanos Tsitispas, complaining that the Greek was being coached by his father.

The 25-year-old vented his frustration in the post-match press-conference, saying: “It’s disappointing. It’s disrespectful, it’s disappointing. I’m not sure after 30 years I’m going to want to play tennis.”

Medvedev continued: “From now on I’m playing for myself, for my family, to provide (for) my family, for people that trust in me, of course for all the Russians because I feel a lot of support there.

“I’m going to say it like this if there is a tournament on hard courts in Moscow, before Roland Garros or Wimbledon, I’m going to go there even if I miss Wimbledon or Roland Garros or whatever. The kid stopped dreaming. The kid is going to play for himself.”

The reigning US Open champion also paid tribute to Sunday’s opponent Nadal as he was impressed with the way the Spaniard raised his game.

“Rafa played unreally. Raised his level. … He was really strong,” he said. “Talking about tennis, I have not many regrets. I’m going to try to continue my best and I’m going to work even harder to try to be the champion of some of these great tournaments someday.

“But again, I’m not really disappointed with the loss or my tennis or anything like this.”

Daniil Medvedev Rafael Nadal

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