This year’s Australian Open finalist, Daniil Medvedev, will become the World no.1 this coming Monday when ATP releases the rankings. It’s truly a dream come true for the Russian, as he finally dethrones his rival and good friend, Novak Djokovic. 

At the moment, the Russian is in the semi-finals at the Mexican Open. Despite becoming the no.1 in the World, Medvedev has stayed focused as he marched through to the semi-final at Acapulco. After winning his quarter-final match, Medvedev revealed he received a lot of messages from his fellow players.

Daniil Medvedev talks about receiving a lot of congratulatory messages

After winning his quarter-final match against Yoshihito Nishioka, Daniil talked a lot about becoming the new number one. At the press conference, the Russian revealed that he didn’t even know before that he would become no.1. He also talked about receiving a lot of congratulations from players in the locker room. According to him, tennis is a friendly sport. 

“Yeah, I get a lot of messages from other tennis players, I think, you know, in general, you know, let’s say, uh, we talk about, top, I don’t know, 300 players, everybody knows each other from the challengers, then on the ATP Tour, and of course, you will have some, I don’t want to call it enemies. But, with somebody, you’re going to have better relationship than with some other players but in general, I think, we’re really friendly tour,” Daniil stated.

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“You know that a lot of players support each other, you know, you get your first title, ATP 250. I try to congratulate people I play juniors with and stuff. Usually, you know, when you win a title, then you come in the locker room the next tournament, everybody’s congratulating, and it’s the same with this one, you know. Nobody’s gonna jump into your knees and saying how much he admires you but in general, tennis is a very friendly sport, of course outside the court. Because on court it’s different. And yeah, we’re all for peace,” Daniil further stated. 

Novak Djokovic congratulates Medvedev

Former World no.1 and 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic recently lost his quarter-final match against Jiri Vesely at the Dubai Open. As a result of that match, Daniil will become the new no.1. After losing, Djokovic showed true sportsmanship, as he congratulated both Jiri Vesely and Daniil Medvedev for achieving their goals. 

“Congratulations also to a very deserving @DaniilMedwed, who will now become world number 1,” Djokovic wrote on Twitter.

Can Djokovic regain his no.1 ranking from the Russian? Let us know in the comments.

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