By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Photo credit: Sport TV
Daniil Medvedev, renowned for his explosive on-court presence, is now striving for a more composed demeanor.
In a sport brimming with emotional players, Medvedev stands out with his fiery spirit.
During a recent press conference at Indian Wells, Medvedev candidly admitted, “I need to speak less on the court.”
His frustrations boiled over in Dubai last week when he failed to convert four match points, ultimately losing a tense second-set tiebreaker to Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(7). An altercation with chair umpire Adel Nour ensued, leading to a code violation that ignited Medvedev’s ire.
“What did I say?” he protested, rising from his seat. “Is there a double standard against Russians?”
Despite a heart-wrenching defeat to Griekspoor, Medvedev later reconciled with Nour, asserting they resolved their differences post-match.
In reflecting on his reputation as a vocal competitor, Medvedev emphasized that during heated moments, he sometimes utters words that he doesn’t truly believe.
“Above all, I genuinely feel that I should curb my conversation on the court,” Medvedev shared. “In the heat of the moment, I may express thoughts that aren’t reflective of my true feelings. It’s the adrenaline, the high stakes, and the pressure that sometimes lead me to speak impulsively.”
While he aims to silence his on-court commentary, Medvedev intends to maintain his well-loved, straightforward demeanor during press conferences.
“Honestly, I have always been this way,” Medvedev remarked at Indian Wells. “I may not always voice my thoughts, but when I choose to speak, I prefer to do so candidly rather than delivering rehearsed PR statements.”
