Daniil Medvedev has admitted he was DUMB to insult tennis fans for having a ‘low IQ’ during his stunning win over Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open last year
- Daniil Medvedev admits he was foolish to criticize local tennis fans as ‘low IQ’
- The Russian tennis star made the comments after a match with Nick Kyrgios
- Medvedev said he generally liked Australian crowds and regretted the comments
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has admitted he was ‘stupid’ to slam Melbourne Park tennis fans as ‘low IQ’ after his gutsy victory over Nick Kyrgios at last year’s Australian Open.
Medvedev, 26, saw off the Aussie 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-2 in a second-round match in which the umpire repeatedly warned the angry crowd about their behaviour.
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev (pictured left) admitted he was too dumb to slam Melbourne Park tennis fans as ‘low IQ’ after his ill-fated victory over Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open
Medvedev, 26, ousted the Aussie 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-2 at last year’s Australian Open in a match in which the umpire repeatedly warned the rowdy crowd about their behaviour.
After the match, Medvedev accused spectators who booed during his service move of having a ‘low IQ’.
‘It’s just a bit disappointing when they make a lot of noise between the first and second serves, I guess some people just have a low IQ,’ he told Eurosport.
Medvedev, who is playing in the Adelaide International this week, admitted his comments were ‘stupid’ and that he generally likes Australian audiences.
‘First of all I said that … of the 13,000 (people) who were there, this comment could be up to 50 people, that’s the first thing,’ said Medvedev.
‘And this comment was probably unwise on my part. The way it was, the match with Nick, sometimes you just say things and after I’m like, ‘why did I say this?’
‘First of all, it might not be true. Then (say to yourself) the fool. (But) that’s why we love sports, that’s why during the match we all have crazy moments.
Medvedev, who is playing in the Adelaide International this week, now admits his comments were ‘stupid’ and says he generally likes Australian crowds.
‘I really like the Australian crowds. I remember when I played (Alex) De Minaur in Sydney, sure the whole stadium was for him but I remember after the match sitting with my coach and saying it was a good atmosphere – they weren’t disrespectful.
‘For sure when it’s disrespectful, it’s difficult for any player … it’s not easy. But then again, everybody wants to play in Australia. It’s a good environment so I’m looking forward to playing here and hopefully it will be a good one.’
The Russian, who is preparing to play Lorenzo Sonego in Adelaide on Tuesday, admitted he wants to beat Kyrgios again when they next meet.
The Russian, who is preparing to face Lorenzo Sonego in Adelaide on Tuesday, admitted he wants to beat Kyrgios again the next time they meet (the pair are pictured after Kyrgios won the 2022 US Open)
The pair met twice more after the Australian Open, with Kyrgios winning both times.
‘The three matches we played last year I felt were all good matches,’ said Medvedev.
‘For sure I wanted to play better in the two I lost, but Nick is a great player.
‘I feel like when I play him, it’s a great match-up and I definitely want to play him more to try and do better than last year. I want to try and get revenge if I get the chance.’
