Stefanos Tsitsipas makes ‘hatred’ admission as he addresses Daniil Medvedev rivalry

Ewan West
Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas
Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas has spoken honestly about his relationship and “long history” with Daniil Medvedev after practising with his rival at the 2024 Indian Wells Open. 

The two-time major finalist thinks people “still expect some sort of a controversy or hatred” between Medvedev and himself, but insisted the pair’s feud is “long gone.”

Tsitsipas and Medvedev shared the court for a practice session prior to the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. This move surprised some given the previous drama involving the duo.

The pair have shared one of the most intriguing and entertaining rivalries on the ATP Tour since an infamous and fiery 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 voiced his displeasure at the Greek.

The 2021 US Open winner has won nine of his 13 encounters with Tsitsipas, with the matches often entertaining both for the edge between the duo and the contrast in playing styles.

READ MORE: Stefanos Tsitsipas on the harsh consequences of his big rankings drop

Speaking on Tennis Channel after his victory over Lucas Pouille in Indian Wells, Tsitsipas discussed his rivalry with Medvedev when asked about their recent practice session.

“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 said.

“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.”

The world No 11, who defeated Frances Tiafoe in the third round in Indian Wells, will play world No 32 Jiri Lehecka in the last 16 on Tuesday. Lehecka earned an impressive 6-4, 6-4 upset win over fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the third round.

Tsitsipas and Medvedev cannot meet until the final in Indian Wells, with the world No 4 in the top half of the draw along with top seed Novak Djokovic. Medvedev will face world No 29 Sebastian Korda in the third round on Monday.

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