Daniil Medvedev’s relationship with tennis crowds has been a rollercoaster of emotions, reactions, and memorable moments that have defined his unique presence on the ATP Tour. Known for his on-court antics and sometimes confrontational responses, Medvedev has faced boos and jeers from audiences around the world. However, the former world No. 1 revealed that he has turned over a new leaf in how he handles crowd reactions, moving away from his past tendencies to provoke spectators and opting for a more composed approach. Now at 28 and three months shy of his 29th birthday, Medvedev explained at this year’s ATP Finals that his outlook has shifted, and he no longer feels the need to fuel his game with crowd antagonism.
Medvedev’s clashes with the crowd first became a major talking point in 2019 when he faced Feliciano Lopez at the US Open. Throughout that match, spectators booed him persistently, something that might have rattled other players. Medvedev, however, took it in stride, flipping the script in a now-famous post-match comment that showcased his dry humor and resilience. “I want all of you to know, when you go to sleep at night, I won because of you. The energy you’re giving me right now, guys, I think it will be enough for my five next matches,” Medvedev said, his words charged with sarcasm. “The more you do this, the more I will win, for you guys.” It was the type of moment that would endear him to some fans for his defiance, yet alienate others who expected more traditional sportsmanship from him.
Flash forward to this year’s ATP Finals, and Medvedev once again found himself at the center of crowd discontent. During his opening match against Taylor Fritz, Medvedev drew boos after he humorously turned his racket the wrong way as he waited for Fritz’s serve. While the incident may have been minor, it was enough to get the audience on his back once again. Nonetheless, this time Medvedev’s reaction was different. He stayed calm, responding with poise instead of retaliating. When asked in his post-match press conference if he enjoyed riling up the crowd, he was straightforward in his response: “No, no,” he said, putting to rest any suggestion that he intentionally wanted to get under their skin.
Medvedev elaborated on his changing approach, attributing it to both maturity and a waning desire for the thrill of the challenge. “It was before. It was before. Now I don’t like it anymore. I’m not as young, I don’t have the same adrenaline,” he admitted. The Russian acknowledged that his perspective has shifted, and he no longer feels the need to engage in drama with the crowd. “Even like against Fritz when I was deservedly booed, a little bit, not too much. I like when there is respect. I have to earn it from my side. But when there is respect both ways, it’s the best way.” This new attitude marks a significant shift from his younger days when he thrived on the adrenaline that confrontation brought.
Reflecting on one of his most contentious moments with a crowd, Medvedev brought up the 2022 Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal. The final was intense, with Medvedev at one point looking set to secure his second Grand Slam title. He led by two sets and seemed on the brink of victory, but Nadal mounted a legendary comeback, ultimately winning the match 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. The crowd, passionately supporting Nadal, cheered the Spaniard on with a fervor that Medvedev felt crossed into disrespect. For him, this match marked a turning point. In his post-final press conference, he made an emotional speech that revealed his deep disappointment not only in the loss but in the experience as a whole.
The speech Medvedev gave after that match would go down as one of the most memorable moments of his career, not for his tennis but for the vulnerability he expressed. “I‘m not going to explain why exactly, but today during the match I understood that I’m going to play tennis — actually it’s funny,” Medvedev said, choosing his words carefully. “I was talking about journalists, but I really like talking to you guys; I think you can see it. That’s not really the point. I’m just talking about a few moments where the kid stopped dreaming, and today was one of them.” With these words, Medvedev showed a side of himself rarely seen on the tour, revealing the impact of the game’s ups and downs on his inner spirit.
Medvedev’s maturity also involves his awareness of his own tendencies toward “self-harm” during moments of frustration or disappointment on the court. When addressing his need to stay calm, he mentioned that he sometimes falls into a pattern of self-blame or negative thoughts, something he has worked to manage. “I’m someone that has, let’s call it, one time per year where I would have self-harm problems,” he noted candidly, suggesting that it’s something he actively seeks to control. For Medvedev, keeping his composure and not letting emotions dictate his game is crucial. “It’s definitely better not to do your self-harm,” he added, underscoring the importance of maintaining mental balance.
This week, Medvedev faces a high-stakes showdown against Italy’s Jannik Sinner in his final group stage match at the ATP Finals. With the tournament taking place in Turin, the crowd will likely favor Sinner, creating a challenging atmosphere for Medvedev. As fans anticipate the match, the question remains: will Medvedev maintain his new approach, remaining calm and composed, or will the pressure bring out his old fiery persona?
Medvedev’s journey reflects a maturing player grappling with the demands of elite competition, personal struggles, and the ever-present scrutiny of fans. With experience, he has learned the value of channeling his energy positively, striving for mutual respect between himself and the audience. Whatever unfolds in the next match against Sinner, one thing is clear: Medvedev’s growth as both a player and person has given him a newfound resilience that might be his greatest strength yet.