Daniil Medvedev says his experience of this year’s Australian Open final was a moment when ‘the kid stopped dreaming’ as he criticized the level of support he received from the crowd.
The world No.2 boasted a two-set lead over Rafael Nadal before losing a marathon encounter on the Rod Laver Arena. At one stage of the match the Russian was two games away from victory. Throughout it was evident that the majority of fans watching were backing Nadal and his quest to win an historic 21st Grand Slam title. Something which frustrated Medvedev, who was the highest ranked player in the men’s draw this year.
Speaking to journalists in the early hours on Monday morning in Melbourne, the 25-year-old began his press conference in a highly unusual way by delivering a 777-word monolog which he reflects on the highs and lows of his career so far. Taking many by surprise, especially the moderator who originally said ‘we’ll be short tonight, It’s late.’
“I’m just talking about a few moments where the kid stopped dreaming, and today was one of them. I’m not going to really tell why,” he said towards the end of his lengthy story.
“From now on I’m playing for myself, for my family, to provide my family, for people that trust in me, of course for all the Russians because I feel a lot of support there.’
“I’m going to say it like this. If there is a tournament on hard courts in Moscow, before Roland Garros or Wimbledon, I’m going to go there even if I miss the Wimbledon or Roland Garros or whatever. The kid stopped dreaming. The kid is going to play for himself. That’s it. That’s my story.”
Perplexed by the words of one of the biggest names on the men’s Tour, it is unclear as to how much should be read into them. Would he seriously skip a Grand Slam tournament to play an event in his home country or was he just letting off some steam after what was a dramatic match?
One thing for certain was that Medvedev was far from happy with the crowd in Melbourne who he has had a roller-coaster relationship with over the past couple of weeks. Some went as far as describing him as a villain of the tournament. It should be noted that Medvedev has complained multiple times to match umpires about interruptions by fans during his matches.
Whilst he never said the crowd might have been a factor in his loss, Medvedev was clearly bemused by the treatment he received compared to that of Nadal and even cast doubt on his future intentions in the sport.
“I’m going to give one small example. Before Rafa serves even in the fifth set, there would be like one guy screaming, ‘C’mon, Daniil.’ A thousand people would be like, Tsss, tsss, tsss. That sound,” he said.
“But before my serve, I didn’t hear it. It’s disappointing. It’s disrespectful, it’s disappointing. I’m not sure after (turning) 30 I’m going to want to play tennis.”
Medvedev says his future in the sport is dependent on the advice he received from those supporting him on the Tour but there is no suggestion that he intends to walk away from the sport anytime soon.
Questioned further about the crowd reception, Medvedev acknowledged that it is possible that it could be linked to anti-Russian bias. Saying his nationality makes it harder for him to gather support.
“I think nationality plays a role. It’s just that Russian tennis was a little bit down for some time. I think I’m trying really – I feel there is a lot more buzz about tennis in Russia right now,” he explained.
“That’s great. Hopefully, we’ll try to get more people to go for us, but I can definitely see when you’re playing somebody from the other country, they would go for them and not for a Russian.”
Medvedev says he has ‘not many regrets’ about his latest match and instead described Nadal’s performance as ‘unreal.’ He has now played in four Grand Slam finals which is the joint-fifth highest tally among active players. Only Andy Murray, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have played in more.
