Daniil Medvedev reveals 'cheating' Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon and making American unhappy at him
Daniil Medvedev narrated a story about his practice session with Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon from years ago. The Russian had no intention to cheat but Fritz disagreed with some of his calls which led to the American being unhappy.
After his second-round win over Fabian Marozsan at the 2024 US Open, Medvedev was asked during a press conference if players cheat during practice sessions by making calls in their favor. The 28-year-old did not believe anyone on Tour cheats but he recalled a 'funny story' involving Fritz.
"We played Wimbledon, it was probably 2018 or 2019, so long ago. We were both not where we are right now, and I'm brutally honest, I don't want to cheat in practice, but sometimes you don't see the ball," Daniil Medvedev said.
He referred to a challenge he had made during the match against Marozsan. Although it was a wrong call, he felt his challenge had merit. Coming back to the story, Medvedev continued:
"So we were playing, and I don't remember exactly what it was, but I called some outs where I thought the ball was out. Then my wife, I think at the time she was maybe even a girlfriend to me, says that he was talking to his coach and was like, 'Damn, this guy cheats all the time.'"
Medvedev was 'shocked' but pleaded his innocence by saying that although he would try to win, he did not care if he lost or won a practice set. Further, he mentioned about their relationship.
"We didn't really speak to each other, so we were not like friends. We're still not friends, but we are, I think, in a good relationship."
"So yeah, that was the story. I was a cheater, I guess...," Daniil Medvedev added jokingly.
The World No. 5 also added that in the U12 division, tennis is much more 'brutal' as there are no referees. He even jokingly called it tougher than the ATP Tour.
Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz's US Open 2024 campaigns
Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev and 12th seed Taylor Fritz have won two matches and advanced to the third round at the 2024 US Open.
Medvedev got the better of Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, and Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(5). He has set up a third-round clash against Italian Flavio Cobolli. This will be the first meeting between the pair on the tour.
Meanwhile, Fritz got the better of Camilo Ugo Carabellic 7-5, 6-1, 6-2, and Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-1. The American will take on Francisco Comesana in the third round. This will be their first meeting on tour.