"Let's see how he does when Alisa's grown up" - Daniil Medvedev jokes about Andrey Rublev's role as his daughter's godfather
Daniil Medvedev recently spoke about Andrey Rublev's challenges and responsibilities as godfather of his nine-month-old daughter Alisa.
Medvedev booked his maiden quarterfinal spot at Wimbledon after his opponent, Jiri Lehecka, was forced to retire mid-match due to injury. In a post-match interview, when asked how Andrey Rublev was doing in his role as godfather, the World No. 3 joked that his friend and compatriot sometimes "exaggerates" how responsible he is.
"I dont know[laughs]. But I mean he's, you know sometimes in interviews he says 'I'm so responsible', he's a good guy, sometimes he exaggerates what he thinks himself about him," he said.
Daniil Medvedev went on to speak highly of the World No. 7, before expressing curiosity about seeing how the relationship between the godfather-goddaughter would develop.
"No, he's very responsible and a great guy and a great friend and he's doing great so far. Let's see how he does when Alisa's grown up how it's going to be," he added.
Quarterfinal debutants at Wimbledon 2023 ft. Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev
The quarterfinal lineup at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships has several first-timers.
First up are 20-year-olds Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune. Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, has adapted his game brilliantly to grass this year, starting with his title run at the Queen's Club Championship. Rune, meanwhile, is the second Danish male to to ever reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals, after Kurt Nielsen.
Daniil Medvedev will lock horns with another debutant, Chris Eubanks. The World No. 3 is looking to extend his hardcourt and claycourt success to grass too.
For 27-year-old Eubanks, the fourth-round win is the biggest result of his career so far. It has helped him reach a career-high ranking of No. 43
In his second quarterfinal appearance, Italy's Jannik Sinner will face Russia's Roman Safiullin. Although Safiullin is the lowest-ranked player in the quarterfinals, he has looked very dangerous this Wimbledon. Safiullin has two big wins, against 20th seed Roberto Bautista Agut and 26th seed Dennis Shapovalov, to his name already.
Andrey Rublev will possibly face the toughest challenge in his maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal, as he is set to square off against seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic. Rublev is gaining ground on grass and is coming into the tournament after reaching the final of the Halle Open.
It will be an interesting watch with six first-time quarterfinal appearances battling it out at the 2023 Wimbledon.