In light of Daniil Medvedev's recent claims about Alexander Zverev, tennis journalist recalls Zverev mentioning Medvedev's wife in award speeches

Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev played out one of the matches of the season so far at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Medvedev ended up winning 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(7) to book his place in the quarterfinals of the claycourt tournament.

The thrilling fixture was not short of drama either, as the two players exchanged a frosty post-match handshake at the net.

In a subsequent interview, Zverev called Medvedev one of the most "unfair" players in the world. Medvedev responded a day later, stating that the two of them were never close friends.

The Russian claimed it was always Zverev who insisted he was friends with him and his wife despite that not being the case.

In light of Medvedev's comments, tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg recalled two instances - at the 2020 Paris Masters and the 2021 ATP Finals - when Zverev spoke about Medvedev's wife. The incident in Paris came just days after Zverev's ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova accused him of domestic abuse.

Olga Sharypova, it should be noted, is a close friend and former doubles partner of Daniil Medvedev's wife Daria Medvedeva. The two even won an ITF junior tournament in Dubai in 2012.

Rothenberg also praised Medvedev for bringing up the instances when Zverev mentioned his wife during speeches.

"Glad Medvedev finally had the occasion to address these strange and deeply uncomfortable comments Zverev was making about his wife (Olya Sharypova’s close friend) during trophy ceremonies," the journalist tweeted.

Sharypova made detailed accusations of domestic abuse against Zverev in 2020. However, the German did not face any disciplinary action as there was insufficient evidence to justify the claims made against him.

How Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev have fared this season

Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters

Daniil Medvedev has had a terrific 2023 season so far despite enduring a shaky start. The Russian fell out of the top 10 of the ATP rankings due to a third-round defeat at the Australian Open, but followed that up by winning three successive titles - in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai.

After losing the Indian Wells final to Carlos Alcaraz, Medvedev responded emphatically by winning the Miami Open, beating Jannik Sinner in the final.

His run at the ongoing Monte-Carlo Masters came to an end in the quarterfinals on Friday as he lost 6-3, 6-4 to Holger Rune.

Zverev, meanwhile, is still trying to rediscover his form after the horrific ankle injury he suffered at the French Open last year. The German has won 10 out of 20 matches this season, with his most notable performance being reaching the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.