Daniil Medvedev reignites feud with Stefanos Tsitsipas, bashes him for degrading friend and compatriot Andrey Rublev in comments from ATP Finals 

Daniil Medvedev triumphed in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, over compatriot and defending champion Andrey Rublev in the final of the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championship. With the win, the 27-year-old collected a hat-trick of titles in as many weeks.

During the presentation ceremony, the two Russians exchanged kind words, but what stood out was Daniil Medvedev’s sly dig at long-time foe Stefanos Tsitsipas, with whom he has had numerous feuds in the past.

In his speech, the newly crowned Dubai champion congratulated his dear friend Andrey Rublev for a sensational week.

“First of all I would like to congratulate Andrey for a great week,” Medvedev said.

He showered high praise on the 25-year-old, calling him “one of the most skillful players on tour” who is worthy of Grand Slams. Simultaneously, however, he bashed Stefanos Tsitsipas for degrading Andrey Rublev in comments made at the 2022 ATP Finals. At the coveted tournament, the Greek player had stated that the Russian scored a win against him “with the few tools that he has”.

“I just want to say that I remember not long ago, one player said that he has just a few weapons, and I was reading this and I was like, ‘How can you say this?’” the former World No. 1 recalled, adding “Andrey is one of the most skilful players on the tour, he just didn’t exploit fully his potential but I’m sure that he can win Grand Slams.”

Daniil Medvedev concluded his rant by expressing his wish to see his compatriot Rublev defeat Tsitsipas many more times in his career.

“Hopefully he can beat this guy, who said it, many, many times, and I wish this for sure,” he said.

---

"Andrey Rublev is the kindest person on tour" – Daniil Medvedev

The Russians at the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships

In the speech, Daniil Medvedev also lauded Andrey Rublev’s personality, and remarked that the fellow Russian is “the kindest person on tour.”

“I feel like people start to know it that Andrey is the kindest person on tour but I just want to say it out loud so everyone knows it,” the former World No. 1 said.

Similarly, Rublev spoke highly of his compatriot and friend, calling him “a real inspiration” as he recalled how the former US Open champion kept going without complaining about his financial difficulties during childhood.

“I never said this to Daniil face-to-face, but I have huge, huge respect for him. He is a real champion and a real inspiration for the players,” the World No. 6 said.

“We know each other since we were kids and Daniil didn’t have much financial help or power (but) I never heard (him say) that he was unlucky or that he doesn’t have financial help like other players. He always (kept) working hard. He proved that he is a real champion,” he added.