Daniil Medvedev has once again taken the tennis world by storm with his unapologetic interviews and conduct at the US Open. Medvedev’s relationship with the enthusiastic New York crowd has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with moments of conflict and camaraderie, ensuring that he was always one of the most entertaining figures at the tournament.
The Russian has had his share of trouble with the New York crowd from asking them to ‘Shut Up’ to appreciating them booing him in matches. The 2021 US Open champion has had a love-hate relationship with the New York crowd and it has developed into a rivalry of its own.
Medvedev’s entertaining US Open legacy
Daniil Medvedev, a self proclaimed hard court specialist, has enjoyed success at the US Open. The Russian has often been the underdog when facing crowd favorites like Djokovic and Nadal and has enjoyed being the villain to the New York crowd.
In his on-court interview after his latest win, Medvedev left fans and spectators in splits when he exclaimed “Vamos vamos vamos!” mocking a spectator in the stadium. His playful nod to the Spanish phrase caught everyone off guard and left everyone with a smile on their face.
Daniil Medvedev to the US Open crowd:
“Thanks to all the guys who don’t shout between 1st & 2nd serve. There’s 1 guy, I don’t know if he has a wife. I don’t know how she’ll sleep bc he’s so pumped up he’s gonna end the night saying ‘vamo!’ nonstop. I feel sorry for him” 😂 pic.twitter.com/uIsE0nXuGx
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 3, 2023
This was not the first time that the Russian had gotten into a war or words with the US Open crowd. In 2019, the Russian thanked the fans for booing him and admitted it gave him to motivation to win his game. Medvedev even said he would have lost the match if not for the constant boos by the New York crowd.
Flashback to 2019 when Daniil Medvedev gave some sass to the US Open crowd:
“I want all of you to know when you sleep tonight, I won because of you” 😂
pic.twitter.com/AcbFJkXcU0— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 30, 2023
The Russian won his first US Open in 2021 after beating the favorite Novak Djokovic in straight sets. In the tournament yet again dominated by Medvedev’s arguments with the crowd, the Russian did a unique celebration after winning the final. Medvedev did a ‘dead fish’ celebration and hysterically laid still on the court acting dead before shaking his hand with Novak Djokovic, leaving people in splits.
More recently, the Russian was seen arguing with a spectator in the crowd when she was walking while the Russian was ready to serve, Medvedev was visibly upset and asked her if she was ‘stupid’ to which the lady responded with a flying kiss. This was the latest encounter in this rivalry between Medvedev and the US crowd.
Medvedev was upset with 2 fans who were walking while he was trying to serve
“Are you stupid or what?”
One of the fans blew a kiss to him 😘
Daniil vs US Open crowd saga is back. 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 1, 2023
Fans join in on the fun
As Medvedev continues his US Open journey, fans can’t help but be captivated by his authenticity and wit. His interactions with the crowd, whether contentious or comedic, make each match an unforgettable experience. The tennis fans are enjoying his love-hate relationship with the US Open crowd.
He gives the best, unique interviews. Always gives an interesting perspective 😂
— Matthew (@matt_adelaide) September 3, 2023
He’s the best interview in sports today.
— Susan Bernstein (@VelvetBarstool) September 3, 2023
Daniil is a guy who doesn’t suffer fools gladly and I respect that!
— Rafa, siempre (@TennisEsVida) September 3, 2023
Yankees vs. Red Sox
Bama vs. LSU
Michigan vs. Ohio State
Lakers vs. CelticsBut no rivalry in sports is better the Medvedev vs. the US Open crowd haha
— Eli Welch (@edub0424) September 1, 2023
He is a piece of work 😁🤣 https://t.co/zkOrgWh6Kc
— Anuja Chandramouli (@anujamouli) September 3, 2023
Always got something in the post march interview, it’s brilliant 😂 https://t.co/wxGbN0k9nT
— Michael Okeke (@ART_Okeke21) September 3, 2023
People are going to come and see Daniil play just for the post match interviews. They’ve been consistently hilarious. https://t.co/Yl5RVnJeCE
— JohannesBorgen (@jeuasommenulle) September 3, 2023
Daniil Medvedev’s relationship with the US Open crowd is a story of conflict, comedy, and camaraderie. Whether he’s at odds with the spectators or sharing a laugh with them, one thing remains constant – Medvedev’s ability to entertain and surprise. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Medvedev saga, knowing that, win or lose, he will always provide a show worth watching.