Medvedev asked about Nadal and Djokovic sharing the same flight to the United States.
Daniil Medvedev says he was “surprised” at seeing Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic share the same flight and added it most certainly coincidentally happened.
On Friday, world No. 1 Djokovic surprised his Instagram followers after sharing a plane selfie with Nadal. Both Djokovic and Nadal were heading to the United States for the opening Masters of the year in Indian Wells.
When Medvedev – who is competing at this week’s ATP 500 event in Dubai – saw Nadal and Djokovic on the same flight, he first wondered why they were going so early to the United States since the Indian Wells Masters is starting on March 6th. When it comes to them stumbling upon each other on the same flight, Medvedev is certain that it wasn’t something planned or arranged.
“First of all, I was surprised. Where are they going so early. Indian Wells? Why so early? It’s fun. I guess they didn’t for sure talk to each other before to choose the same flight. I guess it was a surprise for them,” Medvedev told Reem Abulleil of The National.
Daniil Medvedev on the Nadal-Djokovic airplane photo:
“First of all, I was surprised. Where are they going so early. Indian Wells? Why so early? It’s fun. I guess they didn’t for sure talk to each other before to choose the same flight. I guess it was a surprise for them.” pic.twitter.com/CeY9UdRy72
Medvedev will join Nadal, Djokovic after concluding his Dubai run
Before heading to the United States for the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami, Medvedev will try to defend his title at this week’s Dubai tournament and also win his first title of the year. After Dubai, another title defense awaits Medvedev as the Russian will also return to Indian Wells as the defending champion.
Last year, neither Nadal nor Djokovic competed in Indian Wells – the Spaniard due to a hip injury and Djokovic because he wasn’t allowed to enter the United States as an unvaccinated foreigner. But now that Nadal is healthy and Djokovic is allowed to enter the United States again, Medvedev’s path to the Indian Wells title defense could potentially include playing those two.
But for now, Medvedev’s focus certainly stays on defending his Dubai title this week.