Tennis has seen many fierce rivalries over the years. From Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert to Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, the sport has come a long way. Chiefly, these famous rivalries have enthralled tennis fans all across the globe. Over the recent years, the rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev is beginning to grow in stature.
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Across these rivalries, there is one common point of similarity. Although they may be fierce rivals on the court, these players have developed and showcased mutual respect for one another off the court. Take the example of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The two players have a history of fierce battles against each other. But off the court, they are known to be good friends. Recently, Medvedev and Djokovic displayed yet another example of mutual respect between rivals.
Novak Djokovic opens up on Daniil Medvedev’s message after the Australian Open 2022 final
The Serb detailed out that Medvedev texted him after his final against Nadal. He said, “Medvedev texted me 45 minutes after the finals. Content of the message is private, but it was supportive, both ways.”
#Djokovic: Medvedev texted me 45 minutes after the finals. Content of the message is private, but it was supportive, both ways.
In the opening Grand Slam of the season, the Russian dramatically lost to Rafael Nadal in the summit clash. Medvedev won the opening two sets to open up a 2-0 lead. However, Nadal showed his grit and determination to win the next three sets. Additionally, the Spaniard became the first man in history to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Russia’s Daniil Medvedev celebrate with trophies after the final REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Further, speaking of the Djokovic-Medvedev on-court rivalry, the Serb has held an overall lead against the Russian. He has won six matches while Medvedev has prevailed on four occasions.
Last season, Medvedev defeated Djokovic in the final of the US Open in straight sets to lift his maiden Grand Slam title. By doing so, he stopped the juggernaut in Djokovic by preventing him from lifting all four Grand Slam titles in a calendar year.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; (L-R) Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate with the finalist and championship trophies, respectively, after their match in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
With Djokovic back in action soon, we hope to see more action between the two players. What is your favorite moment involving Djokovic and Medvedev? Let us know in the comments below.
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