Daniil Medvedev thanks Indian Wells boss for favour after losing final to Jannik Sinner | Tennis | Sport

Daniil Medvedev jokingly thanked Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas for listening to his requests about the court speeds. A few years ago, the world No. 11 ranted to an umpire mid-match, claiming the surfaces in Indian Wells were so slow, they couldn’t be classed as hard courts. “It’s not a hard court. I know what is hard court, I’m a specialist,” he said at the time.

Medvedev still reached back-to-back finals in 2023 and 2024, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in both. This year, he got his revenge over the Spanish superstar, taking him out in the semi-finals. But Medvedev just fell short to Jannik Sinner in the championship match, suffering a close 7-6(6) 7-6(4) defeat.

The 11th seed looked superb all fortnight, reaching the final without dropping a set. The court speeds had become noticeably faster in Indian Wells this year, and that certainly made a difference for Medvedev, who joked that Haas had done him a favour with the quicker court pace index.

“I want to thank all the organisers, Tommy, everyone involved. A,azing tournament, always happy to play here. Court, thanks a lot, much faster this year. Thanks for listening to me!” Medvedev told Haas and the team during his speech. “No, I’m joking, it’s probably not because of me. But anyway, I love this tournament and always happy to come back.”

The Russian, who will return to the top-10 on Monday, also jibed that he was happy to deprive the tennis world of another Alcaraz vs Sinner final, even though he enjoys watching them do battle.

“I would like to congratulate Jannik. Amazing tennis, tough to play against you. I tried my best, it was a good match, but big congrats to you for everything you’re doing,” Medvedev told the newly-crowned champion. “Whenever you play Carlos, I love to see it. Now I was happy to not let Carlos play you again! But love watching you guys, love what you do, go for it, continue winning, never stop until you achieve as well.”

It’s been a great few weeks on the court for Medvedev, who was crowned the Dubai champion at the end of last month and got a walkover in the final when Tallon Griekspoor pulled out injured just before the match. But he was one of several players then stuck in Dubai when the airspace was closed.

The 30-year-old drove to Oman, catching a flight to Istanbul and then jetting to California just in time to compete in Indian Wells. The trip was certainly worth it for Medvedev, who proved that he’s still one of the toughest players to beat at his best. And he referenced the long journey as he thanked his team.

Continuing his speech, Medvedev added: I would like to thank my team sitting there. I will try better next time, but good week in general, after especially a long travel with Thomas, so thanks a lot guys! I would like to thank my family, who supported me from home this week. They are my biggest support, and hopefully I can win it next time for them.”

And the runner-up rounded out with a special message for the crowd. “Thank you guys, i know when I play Carlos, Jannik, maybe Novak, maybe someone like this, the support is not going to be completely on my side. But I feel like you were fair play yesterday and today, so thanks a lot for the support and see you next year,” he said.

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