'Now we have completely normal, respectful relations,' Daniil Medvedev trashes all rivalry rumors with Stefanos Tsitsipas moving into a more ‘positive direction’ with the Greek

So when Medvedev was asked during a recent interview with Sport Express Russia whether he would either have a glass of wine with the Greek, he said players find it difficult to become close friends.

I don’t drink wine, haha. In tennis, in general, being very close friends with someone is difficult. You need to know each other for a long time and have common interests - like Andrey, Karen, and Roman. It seems to me that now we (himself & Tsitsipas) have completely normal, respectful relations. Daniil Medvedev said

Medvedev added that things have changed right now with both having respect for each other. But the Russian is also anticipating another controversy when they face each other the next time.

Who knows, maybe there will be some more controversy on the court. But, in my opinion, everything developed only in a positive direction for us. Now we respect each other as athletes and treat each other completely calmly. Daniil Medvedev added

How did the Daniil Medvedev-Stefanos Tsitsipas feud start?

It started back in 2018. Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas met for the first time at the Miami Open. The Russian defeated Tsitsipas but the Greek’s “bull***t” comment triggered controversy, and the blame game started from there onwards.

Tsitsipas even blocked the Russian on Instagram after Medvedev defeated the 2023 Australian Open finalist at the US Open. Tsitsipas also described Medvedev’s style of play as “boring“.

The Greek then called his win over Medvedev one of the most important victories of his career. Despite these moments of controversy, both have said good things about each other with Tsitsipas calling, Medvedev one of the best at some point.

They have faced each other 13 times with Medvedev leading the head-to-head record 9-4. They last met at Vienna in the semifinals, where Medvedev registered his ninth victory over the Greek, winning in straight sets.