The Russian tennis player comically admitted that he had some dubious moments in his career, but that one he doesn’t regret at all, as he recalled his iconic moment with the US Open crowd. In the second round at Flushing Meadows five years ago, Medvedev faced Feliciano Lopez, the former world no. 12 in the rankings. It was immediately apparent that the audience was completely in favour of Lopez. The cries of “Lopez, Lopez, Lopez!” were growing louder and more frequent as the game went on. Ultimately, though, it was the 24-year-old Russian who defeated the Spaniard 7-6 (1) 4-6 7-6 (7) 6-4. Medvedev tried his best not to respond to the heckling of the fans during the game. However, just as it was coming to a close, Medvedev gave the audience a viral moment by revealing that he was the one who had the final laugh.
“I want everyone of you to know that I won because of you when you go to sleep at night. I believe that the energy you are currently providing me with, guys, will be sufficient for my next five matches. Following his victory over Lopez, Medvedev told the fans quite plainly, “The more you do this, the more I will win, for you guys.”
Medvedev remembers his encounter with the audience at the 2019 US Open.
Tuesday, Medvedev defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1 to begin his ninth US Open campaign.
He paused afterward to think back on the widely shared incident that occurred five years prior.
Daniil Medvedev on the 5 year anniversary of this famous moment
“There are some things in my career I’m not happy about, but this interview was probably my best ever after a match. I absolutely love it. If people want to celebrate, I’m there for it.” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2024
“I’m not thrilled with some aspects of my career, but after a match, this interview was arguably the finest I’ve ever had.” I adore it to the core. I’m all with celebration if that’s what people want to do,” Medvedev declared. Medvedev reached his first Grand Slam final in the US Open that year, but Rafael Nadal defeated him. Since then, Medvedev has placed second last year and won the US Open in 2021.
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