Daniil Medvedev opens up on his relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas after past feud
Daniil Medvedev has discussed his relationship with long-time rival Stefanos Tsitsipas and insisted the pair now have “completely normal, respectful relations.”
The world No 4 revealed “everything developed only in a positive direction” between him and Tsitsipas after the feud that existed during the earlier stages of their rivalry.
Medvedev and Tsitsipas have formed one of the most intriguing and entertaining rivalries on the ATP Tour in recent years since a fiery and infamous first clash at the 2018 Miami Masters.
After Medvedev won the match in three sets, a frosty handshake followed, with the Russian frustrated with Tsitsipas for taking a bathroom break during the third set.
Medvedev was then provoked into a rant by Tsitsipas apparently saying “bull***t Russian” to him, with the umpire stepping in front of him as he angrily voiced his displeasure at the Greek.
The 28-year-old has won nine of his 13 encounters with Tsitsipas, with the matches often entertaining both for the contrast in playing styles and tension between the duo.
Both Medvedev and Tsitsipas are competing at the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters — and they could meet in the quarter-finals if they win their respective last 16 matches on Thursday. Medvedev will face compatriot Karen Khachanov, while Tsitsipas will take on Alexander Zverev.
READ MORE: Tennis great criticises Daniil Medvedev for ‘lack of self-control’ after Monte Carlo outburst
In an interview with Sport-Express Russia, Medvedev was asked about his relationship with Tsitsipas and whether he would go for a glass of wine with the Greek.
“I don’t drink wine (laughs). In tennis, in general, being very close friends with someone is difficult,” explained the 2021 US Open champion.
“You need to know each other for a long time, have common interests – like Andrey [Rublev], Karen [Khachanov] and Roman [Safiullin]. It seems to me that now we (himself and Tsitsipas) have completely normal, respectful relations.
“Who knows, maybe there will be some more controversy on the court. But, in my opinion, everything developed only in a positive direction for us. Now we respect each other as athletes and treat each other completely calmly.”
In Indian Wells last month, Tsitsipas was asked about his rivalry with Medvedev after the pair shared the court for a practice session at the tournament.
“Well, it’s a long history. I mean, whatever happened [in Miami], how many years ago was that? 10 years ago? It was a long time ago,” the 25-year-old told Tennis Channel.
“I guess people still expect some sort of a controversy or hatred between us two, but this has been long gone, and not something I focus too much on these days actually.”
