Danil Medvedev revealed some new and interesting details about Novak Djokovic and their relationship.
Source: COREY SIPKIN / UPI / Profimedia
Novak Djokovic and Danil Medvedev have played 15 matches so far, the Serbian player has won 10 times, and they met for the first time in 2017 in the Davis Cup. Then, in the fourth set, the Russian surrendered the match, at that moment Nola was leading – 3:6, 6:4, 6:1, 1:0. The spasms were too strong, he could not continue. So, seven years later, journalists reminded the Russian player of that very first match and asked him what had changed since then, until today at the Australian Open.
Danil had a long and comprehensive answer to that question and revealed some details that many did not know. “I would say that I have matured a lot since then, I thought that tennis was only on the court. I know that I hurt Novak in that match, then I started cramping, three hours after the match I couldn’t walk, it was unreal. And then I saw that I could make him suffer, but the cramps started because I didn’t focus on food and some other important things,” Medvedev began his presentation.
He did not stop, he continued to talk at the conference in Melbourne. “I ate fast food, I thought such things didn’t matter and only forehand or backhand mattered. Then slowly, step by step, I learned how important life outside the field is. Sleep, food, various treatments, small details that make a difference. Many advised me and talked, although I didn’t understand it, until I realized what I needed to do, so that is the first part of the difference between Danilo from then and today.”
People don’t know this about Djokovic: Medvedev revealed unknown details
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Before that clash in the Davis Cup, Medvedev trained with Djokovic and then he received an offer which he initially refused.
“We were training and he asked me if I was playing in the Davis Cup and inquired about the details of my summer and travel. I told him everything, so he asked me if I wanted to go with him. Honestly, I’m a bit of a shy person. I refused alone and I told him that the Alliance had already bought the tickets and everything. The flight was supposed to take about three hours, and I had a layover. Then I thought about it, realized that maybe I should have accepted. An hour after training I asked him if I could go with him and he immediately accepted.”
Source: Profimedia
Then the Russian stopped for a short time, and offered a series of praises for Đoković.
“People don’t know some things about Novak. On the field, he can be difficult, just like me. It can be both this and that. However, from the first moment I met him and when I was about 400th in the world and now when I’m third, he treated me the same then and now. Since that match we have become bigger rivals, but I want to say that he treats me the same way off the field and that is what I love about him. I think he is a very good personMedvedev concluded.