Tennis

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, is known for his authenticity and unfiltered nature. In an interview at the Terra Wortmann Open, Medvedev shared his thoughts on being true to himself, the impact of social media, and the lessons he's learned from fatherhood.Medvedev believes that being authentic means not lying about oneself and knowing what one wants in life. He acknowledges that his emotions can be intense, but he doesn't try to hide them. He understands that some people may perceive him as arrogant or angry, but he remains true to his character.Medvedev reflects on how social media has changed the way players are perceived. In the past, players could avoid negative feedback unless it was expressed directly to their face. Now, with the constant barrage of opinions on social media, players are often subjected to hurtful messages.Despite the potential for negativity, Medvedev refuses to change his ways. He believes that it's important to be true to oneself, even if it means facing criticism. He strives to achieve a state of mind where he can be authentic and not care about what others think.Medvedev's journey as a father has also influenced his perspective. The birth of his daughter, Alisa, has taught him patience and compassion. He realizes that he needs to be more open-minded and willing to repeat himself without raising his voice.Medvedev's stubbornness is a trait that he sees in his daughter as well. He believes that it's important to accept help from others, but that it's ultimately up to the individual to decide when they need it.As Medvedev continues his pursuit of success on the court, he remains focused on his personal growth. He knows that Alisa will be watching, and he wants to be the best father he can be.

Daniil Medvedev, the former world No. 1, has expressed his desire for his daughter, Alisa, to develop a preference for clay courts over hard courts. Medvedev, who has struggled on clay throughout his career, joked that he would be content if Alisa enjoyed the surface more than he does.Despite Alisa's popularity on social media, Medvedev is not rushing her into tennis. He believes it is crucial to allow her to explore her interests and develop her own passions. However, he acknowledges that she enjoys playing with a small racquet and kicking balls.Medvedev credits his wife, Daria, for spending most of her time with Alisa while he is away on tour. He admits that Alisa is more relaxed and easygoing with him, while she exhibits a stronger personality with her mother.Reflecting on his own childhood, Medvedev acknowledges that he may not have chosen tennis if he had been given the option at the age of 10. He emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and support in shaping his career path.Despite his past struggles on clay, Medvedev has shown improvement this season. He has reached the third round of Roland Garros for only the third time in eight appearances. He attributes this success to the increased competitiveness of the men's draw, which has made it more difficult for top players to dominate.Medvedev's next opponent will be either No. 31 seed Mariano Navone or Tomas Machac, who recently defeated Novak Djokovic. Medvedev remains cautious but is optimistic about his chances of advancing further in the tournament.

Daniil Medvedev: Balancing Fatherhood and Tennis Success with Wife's SacrificesDaniil Medvedev, the reigning Miami Open champion, has opened up about the challenges and rewards of balancing fatherhood with his tennis career. The Russian star, who welcomed daughter Alisa with wife Daria in October 2022, credits his wife's sacrifices for enabling him to maintain his on-court success."As a player, I don't think (fatherhood) has changed me, to be honest," Medvedev said. "But hopefully it helps me mature, a little bit. Many times I'm still immature on the court, but I feel like I'm improving slowly every year."Medvedev acknowledges the significant role his wife plays in their daughter's upbringing, especially when he is traveling for tournaments. "It's not easy with tennis, because if you want to see your daughter a lot, then your wife has to sacrifice a lot," he explained. "She has to travel with the baby, and many times it's her taking the plane and not me. Being on a plane with a baby is not easy."Despite the challenges, Medvedev believes that fatherhood has brought out a new side of him. "It's a balance. Sometimes my wife sacrifices some of her time and energy to come to the tournaments with our daughter. Me, I have to practice less somewhere, or maybe during the tournament I just have to find the time," he said. "Before I would be in full tennis mode. Now, I have to find the balance to see my daughter also, otherwise it's not a good life, I would say!"Medvedev's wife, Daria, has been a constant presence at his matches throughout his rise to the top of the ATP rankings. Fans have also been treated to glimpses of their family life, including Alisa's adorable moments with her godfather, Andrey Rublev, and her hilarious reaction to seeing a poster of her father.As Medvedev prepares to defend his Miami Open title, he is grateful for the support of his wife and the balance she has helped him achieve. "I'm trying. I think I'm doing well, but I'm always trying to find this balance," he said.