In a dramatic retelling of his 2019 US Open final against Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev opened up about the incredible support the Spaniard received from the crowd, leaving him feeling somewhat traumatized by the overwhelming cheers for his opponent.
Recalling his first Major final at Flushing Meadows five years ago, the now 28-year-old reflected on the intense atmosphere that surrounded the match. Throughout the tournament, Medvedev found himself at odds with the raucous New York crowd, but it was during the final showdown with Nadal that he truly felt the weight of their support for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Medvedev managed to push Nadal to a fifth set in a thrilling match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Nadal emerged victorious with a hard-fought 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 win, but not without a memorable exchange with the crowd beforehand.
In a viral moment before the final, Medvedev hilariously credited the audience for his success in a win against Feliciano Lopez, cheekily suggesting they think about his words before going to sleep. The Russian’s antics endeared him to fans even more, despite the challenges he faced in winning over the New York crowd.
Reflecting on his experiences with the crowd, Medvedev jokingly shared with Nick Kyrgios in an on-court interview after a dominant victory over Nuno Borges, “I love to play here. The crazy 2019 run… Especially the final against Rafa. To be honest… Wherever I played him, the crowd was fully for him. I played him once during Covid and there was no one. But I still felt like the crowd was for him.”
The interview with Kyrgios also revealed another side of Medvedev, with the Russian playfully admitting that there are days when he simply doesn’t feel like putting in the work, despite his reputation as a hard worker on the court. As the drama unfolds at Flushing Meadows, Medvedev continues to captivate fans with his talent, humor, and competitive spirit, making him a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.
