In a lively exchange at Tennis Channel’s VIP Tennis Lounge on July 17, 2025, former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev had fans in stitches as he tackled the complexities of American tipping culture alongside fellow Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza. The 2021 US Open winner, known for his sharp wit and tactical brilliance, brought his mathematical mind—honed through studies in physics and economics in Moscow—to a mock negotiation over a restaurant bill, poking fun at the intricacies of U.S. dining etiquette. “The problem in the U.S. is that the check is already quite expensive!” Medvedev exclaimed, his trademark humor on full display. “And then you add 20 percent, and then there’s going to be tax, and then there’s going to be this or that…”
The lighthearted moment came during a visit to the Tennis Channel’s VIP Lounge, a popular stop for tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Nick Kyrgios, and Aryna Sabalenka, where players engage in candid conversations before receiving a playful “bill” for their time. Medvedev, the No. 5 seed at the upcoming US Open, scrutinized the mock check with mock seriousness, disputing charges for “four bad jokes” and other whimsical fees. His banter with Muguruza, the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon champion, showcased their easy chemistry, a refreshing contrast to the high-stakes world of professional tennis. The Russian’s quip about tipping resonated widely, with fans on social media praising his relatable take on navigating American customs.
Medvedev’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag, marked by flashes of brilliance and unexpected setbacks. The 29-year-old, who trains at the Mouratoglou Academy in France under coach Gilles Cervara, reached the Halle Open final in June, defeating Alexander Zverev in a tight 7-6(3), 6-7(1), 6-4 battle. “I am happy with my level, I played great,” Medvedev said after the match, though he fell to Alexander Bublik in the final. His grass-court campaign ended abruptly with a first-round Wimbledon loss to Benjamin Bonzi, 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2, marking his second early Grand Slam exit of the year after a second-round defeat to #NextGenATP star Learner Tien at the Australian Open. “All the matches are very tight,” Medvedev noted, reflecting on his competitive rivalries, including a 13-7 edge over Zverev and a closely contested 8-7 head-to-head with Jannik Sinner, whom he beat in five sets at Wimbledon 2024.
Muguruza, who has stepped away from competitive tennis since January 2023, brought her own charm to the conversation. Now 30 and engaged to Arthur Borges, whom she met during a serendipitous encounter in Central Park during the 2021 US Open, Muguruza has embraced a hiatus focused on personal growth. “As of today I have no intention to return to competition,” she recently told Women’s Health, prioritizing rest, family, and new ventures like Zumba and film festival appearances. Yet, she remains connected to the sport, admitting, “I still follow my peers, from time to time I still play but not intensely, more for fun.” Her presence in the VIP Lounge highlighted her enduring popularity, with Medvedev playfully acknowledging her as a formidable partner in their mock bill dispute.
The conversation also touched on Medvedev’s aspirations. A Formula 1 enthusiast with a penchant for setting goals, he mused about celebrating a future Grand Slam win. “I have a lot of things already! But I actually like to set myself goals sometimes,” he said, hinting at his drive to add to his 20 ATP titles, including the 2021 US Open, where he denied Novak Djokovic a Calendar Grand Slam. His tactical genius, lauded by peers like Djokovic—who called his serve “the biggest weapon of his game”—and John McEnroe, who dubbed him a “shape shifter,” makes him a perennial threat. Despite recent struggles, including a drop to No. 14 in the rankings after Wimbledon, Medvedev’s run to the 2023 US Open semi-finals and 2024 Australian Open final underscores his resilience.
The VIP Lounge exchange offered a glimpse into Medvedev’s off-court persona, blending humor with his analytical mind. His playful jab at U.S. tipping culture—“already quite expensive!”—echoed sentiments shared by many navigating the American service industry’s norms, where a 20% tip and additional taxes can inflate a bill significantly. As Medvedev prepares for the North American hard-court swing, including the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, fans anticipate more of his unorthodox style and mental toughness. For Muguruza, the moment was a chance to reconnect with the tennis world she’s temporarily left behind, her laughter alongside Medvedev a reminder of the sport’s ability to unite players through shared experiences, even in jest.
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