SUMMARY
- Over six years, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas have engaged in both on-court battles and off-court tensions.
- Their rivalry ignited at the 2018 Miami Open with a heated exchange after the match.
The rivalry between Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas has been marked by both on-court battles and off-court tensions. Over the past six years, both these elite players have engaged in fierce competition which has been marked by a frosty relationship. Their relationship soured from the start, ignited by a heated exchange during their initial encounter at the 2018 Miami Open.
During that match, tensions flared as Tsitsipas directed a derogatory remark toward Medvedev, who retaliated by criticizing Tsitsipas’s behavior regarding bathroom breaks. Medvedev’s response to Tsitsipas’s insult was notably blunt, as he was heard saying, “Man, you better shut your f*ck up.” Additionally, Medvedev expressed his discontent towards Tsitsipas’s actions to the chair umpire.
Medvedev vs Tsitsipas 🤣 https://t.co/YVuvE0pdST pic.twitter.com/e2IPSto38F
— Black Princess Diana (@layla_job) February 27, 2024
Medvedev stated, “He started it. He said ‘Bullsh*t Russian’ and you think this is normal?” …he is a small kid who doesn’t know how to fight.” Tsitsipas in the post-match press conference, expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting the challenges of playing against Medvedev on his terms. The personal clashes between the two continued in subsequent tournaments.
In the 2022 Australian Open, Medvedev accused Tsitsipas of taking illegal coaching from his father during their match. In 2023 Medvedev aimed Tsitsipas during the Dubai Open trophy presentation for belittling his close friend and fellow Russian player, Andrey Rublev. The Italian Open also showcased the strained nature of their relationship, as they seemingly ignored each other’s presence.
— Sunny 💚 (@SUNNY8X) May 13, 2023
In their head-to-head meetings, Medvedev holds the upper hand, leading with nine wins to Tsitsipas’s four. Notably, their rivalry has extended to Grand Slams, with three clashes occurring at the US Open in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2021 and 2022. On all three occasions, Medvedev emerged victorious, showcasing his dominance over the Greek player.
Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas call an end to their bitter rivalry
Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas seem to have brought an end to their bitter feud. During their most recent encounter at the Vienna Open in October 2023, Medvedev emerged victorious in a high-quality match, securing a win with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 (6). However, what truly stood out was the display of mutual respect between the two players at the end of the match.
2021 – 63 victories
2023 – 6️⃣4️⃣ victories (so far 😅)A career-best milestone for @DaniilMedwed as he pips Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6(6) to book a final spot@ErsteBankOpen | #erstebankopen pic.twitter.com/xGtd4MRqGW
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 28, 2023
The two despite their contentious relationship, shared a warm post-match handshake at the net, signaling a potential release of tensions between them. In a candid interview towards the end of 2023, Tsitsipas openly praised Medvedev’s unorthodox playing style and his exceptional inside-out backhand. Similarly, Medvedev had complimented Tsitsipas’s elegant one-handed backhand, showcasing a level of mutual appreciation.
Stef and Daniil practice at Indian Wells 😱😍 pic.twitter.com/XFquI31wzx
— Emily 🩷 (@TTnewpsie) March 5, 2024
A clear indication of putting aside their past animosity emerged when both were seen training together during the preparations for the upcoming Indian Wells tournament in California which later concluded with another warm handshake at the net. Fans were thrilled to see both rivals start a new chapter in their relationship.
