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Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev US Open ATP 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

Daniil Medvedev hints at Novak Djokovic ‘owing’ him dinner as Russia help Serbia in Davis Cup


Daniil Medvedev revealed that certain members of the Serbian team, alluding to Novak Djokovic, were sending the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) messages of encouragement to beat Spain and keep their Davis Cup campaign alive.

The Davis Cup got underway last Thursday and the tournament is now at the quarter-finals stages. World number one Novak Djokovic’s Serbia remain in the tournament, albeit due to a favour from World number two Daniil Medvedev’s RTF.

After losing to Germany but beating Austria, Serbia needed the RTF to beat reigning champions Spain in order to progress to the quarter-finals.

A Spain win would have knocked Djokovic’s Serbia out in the group stage, but World number five Andrey Rublev and Aslan Karatsev overcame the Spaniards in the decisive doubles match, much to the relief of Djokovic.

The Russian Tennis Federation will now face Sweden in the quarter-finals, whilst Serbia will play Kazakhstan.

Speaking in a press conference after the RTF’s doubles victory over Spain, Medvedev said “it’s funny because during the match we were getting messages from some people in Serbia, let’s call it that because I won’t say who, and not just me, but a lot of us saying ‘go ahead, guys, we believe in you.’

“We just wanted to win the game, and we are really happy that we did.

When asked about whether Djokovic owed him dinner at a restaurant, Medvedev jokingly replied “I think we’re not going to do it during the tournament. But maybe one day we’ll see.”

Medvedev and Djokovic share a friendly relationship despite competing with each other for Grand Slams, tour events and the ATP World number one position.

Regarding their relationship, Medvedev said “I love talking with him. I think I can say that he’s a friend” after their training session prior to the Paris Masters. However, seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander wants to see “more fireworks” between them.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.