"How can someone hate Daniil Medvedev";"I'd pay to see him with a blonde wig" - Fans amused by Russian teasing Carlos Alcaraz after China Open SF loss

Daniil Medvedev joking with Carlos Alcaraz about dying his hair blonde and putting a 'Botic' sign on his chest has fans tumbling with laughter. The Russian made this joke after his defeat to the Spaniard in the semifinals of the 2024 China Open.

Medvedev, who was a runner-up last year at the event, kicked off his tournament with a strong win against Gael Monfils following which, he ousted Adrian Mannarino and Flavio Cobolli in subsequent rounds.

However, his run was ende by the second-seeded Alcaraz, who got his fourth consecutive win against the Russian by beating him 7-5, 6-3 in the semifinals. During the ceremonious handshake, the two seemed to share a chat which left the Spaniard in splits. Medvedev was asked what he said to Alcaraz during the handshake to which he responded,

"I told Carlos next match I'm going to paint my hair blond and put 'Botic' here (chest). Maybe this can help."

This joke is a reference to the 21-year-old's shock defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the 2024 US Open.

This interaction sparked hilarious reactions from fans on X (formerly Twitter). One fan questioned how anyone could hate Daniil Medvedev.

“Medvedev is literally the funniest person. How can someone hate him,” the fan questioned.

Another fan joked that they'd pay to see the Russian playing with a wig.

"I'd pay to see him actually come on the court with a blonde wig and a Netherlands flag," the fan joked.

Another fan commented on the comparisons people make between Novak Djokovic and Medvedev's personalities.

“People assume that Danil & Novak are same but Danil is far better & nice guy,” the fan commented.

Here are some other reactions from the fans.

“Still so cordial after getting 7-5 6-3d lol love him,” a fan said.

“Medvedev is such a Yapper,” a fan quipped.

"I’ve seen Carlitos laugh a lot of times but never that heartily,” a fan felt.

There was also another hilarious interaction between the two players during the match when a forehand smacked by Alcaraz hit Medvedev, who then pretended to get hurt. The Spaniard immediately tried to check up on him but the 28-year-old clarified that he was just joking.

"It's also rare that I'm going to say something like this after a defeat" - Daniil Medvedev on his 'fun' battle with Carlos Alcaraz

Daniil Medvedev in action at the China Open (Source: Getty)

During the press conference, Daniil Medvedev also talked about how the crowd goes crazy for Carlos Alcaraz all around the world giving an example from the Laver Cup.

"When we went on the court, for sure it's a bit more noise for Carlos. When we were in Laver Cup, the noise for Carlos was insane - probably more than for Sascha, and he's German. And here, yeah, I felt that it was pretty even. So I loved it there," Daniil Medvedev said.

He later admitted that enjoyed his match against Alcaraz despite the defeat.

"Honestly, it was a fun match to play. Also, it's also rare that I'm going to say something like this after a defeat. But it was a fun match to play. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to what's next."

Daniil Medvedev will next be seen at the Shanghai Masters where he will be the fifth seed. The Russian will facem either Dan Evans or Thiago Seyboth Wild in the second round of the Masters 1000 event.