"Such a sweet guy, he's what Djokovic thinks he is" - Tennis fans react to Daniil Medvedev's funny speech after Libema Open final
Dutch wildcard Tim van Rijthoven upset Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-1 to win the Libema Open on Sunday.
Despite the result, Medvedev chose to see the funny side of things during his runner-up speech, drawing laughter from spectators and Twitter reactions from around the world.
"First time in an ATP final and you destroy the number 2 in the world" 🤣
Medvedev congratulates @timvanrijthoven on his unbelievable week!
@LibemaOpen https://t.co/h1as9t3Lob
"First of all, congrats Tim. Amazing week. First time in an ATP tournament and straight away you destroy the No. 2 in the world in straight sets in the final. So, must be a good feeling, I dont know how it feels," Medvedev said.
The Dutchman, who was yet to register a win in the main draw of an ATP event coming into the tournament, became a giant killer by getting past World No. 14 Taylor Fritz and World No. 9 Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Fans took to social media to discuss the speech given by the Russian, with many fans praising the Russian for being sweet.
"I love Medvedev so much like he's such a sweet guy. He's what Djokovic thinks he is," one fan said.
I love medvedev so much like he’s such a sweet guy💗💗 he’s what djokovic thinks he is twitter.com/tennistv/statu…
Twitter users lauded the Russian's sense of humour and "honesty," as one individual put it.
"I'm not a fan of his but have to admire his honesty and jokes," a user noted.
@TennisTV @timvanrijthoven @LibemaOpen I'm not a fan of his but have to admire his honesty and jokes😭😂
Another user opined that the 26-year-old would be fun to interact with.
"Medvedev must be fun to interact really," read another tweet.
@TennisTV @timvanrijthoven @LibemaOpen Medvedev must be fun to interact really 😅😅
Not everyone was amused by Medvedev's funny speech though. One user thought it was disgraceful to lose in the manner he did and be okay with it.
"This is disgraceful from Medvedev. Lose in this manner and he's so okay with it," another fan said.
@TennisTV @timvanrijthoven @LibemaOpen This is disgraceful from Medvedev. Lose in this manner and he's so okay with it.
@xaddyzee @TennisTV @timvanrijthoven @LibemaOpen calm down guys it's just a ATP250 first grass tournament , nobody care , he don't care also
Displaying classy humour, a user called the the 2021 US Open champion "the GOAT of trophy ceremonies.
@TennisTV @timvanrijthoven @LibemaOpen Medvedev really is the GOAT of trophy ceremonies
"Medvedev really is the GOAT of trophy ceremonies," a fan wrote.
Daniil Medvedev, the new World No. 1, will miss Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev has replaced Novak Djokovic as the new World No. 1 for the second time in his career. The Russian first became World No. 1 when Novak Djokovic lost the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships against Jiri Vesely in February. Medvedev is the third player from his country to occupy the top spot in the ATP rankings after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.
Despite the ascent to the top of the rankings, Medvedev will not be playing at Wimbledon following the ban on Russian and Belarusian players imposed by the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
It’s a huge honor to take over this spot. I’m sure everyone can understand it comes with mixed emotions that it happens this week. Thank you to my wife, team, sponsors, friends, & everyone that has helped along the way. It’s a long journey and I look forward to the years ahead https://t.co/YYGCHE4SBK
No player other than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray has risen to the helm of the world rankings since 2004 until Medvedev this February.