Novak Djokovic news: What the world No 1 said to the world No 2 Daniil Medvedev after Aus Open final loss

Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic during the post-match presentation

Danill Medvedev had a massive opportunity to overtake Novak Djokovic for No 1 spot if he was victorious over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open, but that wasn’t meant to be and the Spaniard went on to claim his 21st Grand Slam title.

Although they are in direct competition with each other, the Serbian texted the world No 2 after the match to offer his advice, support and warm words.

The Russian definitely needed it after the tie because not only had he lost the chance to add another major tournament title to his name, but he was also upset at the hostile reception the audience gave him throughout the competition in Melbourne – even branding sections of the fans as having a “low iQ.”

And it’s that causing of controversy which is something Djokovic has first-hand experience of, especially after the recent debacle in Australia.

“I relate to that, we texted after the match, I really felt sad that he was experiencing those kinds of emotions because the inner kid is the reason why we are playing tennis,” Djokovic revealed after his opening round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

“Obviously losing, being two sets to love up in the finals, it’s a tough one to swallow, of course I’ve been in those shoes before, I understand how he feels – I had plenty of matches where I had to crowd on my side and crowd against me, this is part of the sport, you can’t always expect to have the support behind you.

“I wish him all the best, I think he’s a great champion, someone that is mentally very strong, already consistent with his results, soon to be No 1 in the world as well – I felt sorry for him that he commented the way he did after the match, but I do understand.”

Medvedev did indeed vent his anger and frustration at the end of the match and said he wouldn’t mind missing out on Wimbledon if he had the opportunity to play in a tournament closer to home.

The 26-year-old said: “From now on I’m playing for myself, my family, to provide for my family, for the people that trust in me, of course for all the Russians because I feel a lot of support there.

“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, I’m not sure after 30 years I’m going to want to play tennis.

“I think nationality plays a key, I can definitely see when you play somebody from the other country, they would go for them and not the Russian.”

Medvedev is due to return to the court after he suffered defeat at the Happy Slam tomorrow in the Mexican Open where he faces Beniot Paire in the opening round.

And Djokovic made it to the second round in the Dubai Tennis Championships after he beat 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3 yesterday. He is due to play Karen Khachanov tomorrow.

Daniil Medvedev Novak Djokovic

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