Alexander Zverev recalls Daniil Medvedev’s ‘coaching’ advice that helped him win decisive match

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev have shared a heated rivalry, with the German even once calling his Russian counterpart "the most unfair player in the world."

Since their first clash back in 2016, they have faced each other 19 times, with 12 victories for Medvedev and 7 for Zverev. In the early years of their rivalry, Zverev had already established himself at the top level, while Medvedev was still struggling to break into the elite.

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Zverev arrived at Indian Wells as the top seed in the draw and is set to debut on Friday, March 7, against the winner of the match between Miomir Kecmanovic and Tallon Griekspoor. In the meantime, he has addressed the media in a recent press conference and participated in pre-tournament activities during media day.

One of the topics the three-time Grand Slam finalist touched on was his rivalry with Medvedev, whom he could potentially face in a semifinal showdown. However, he had some positive words for the Russian, recalling an occasion when Medvedev gave him crucial advice that helped him secure a match victory.

Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open 2025.

The German earned a key win over Frances Tiafoe at the 2024 Laver Cup, a decisive match that sealed victory for Team Europe, with both Medvedev and Zverev among the stars. "I was down a set and break to Frances," Zverev said. "And then Daniil (Medvedev) actually gave me some very good coaching advice. I have to give a lot of credit to Daniil. He did a great job coaching me in that moment."

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The tense rivalry: Zverev vs. Medvedev

Zverev won the first four encounters between them from 2016 to 2018. Since 2019, however, Medvedev has triumphed in 12 of their last 15 meetings (2-1 in finals). Perhaps the most notable match was in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, where Medvedev came from two sets down to win in five sets (5-7, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3).

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Tense moments have been frequent between them. In the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, Zverev accused the Russian of unsportsmanlike conduct after he requested a bathroom break at a crucial point in the match. The German barely acknowledged his rival after the match, visibly frustrated.

“He is one of the most unfair players in the world. He takes a toilet break when it’s not possible anymore,” Zverev said after his loss (4-6, 7-5, 7-6). “I take fair play and sportsmanship very seriously. He does not.”

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Medvedev responded shortly after. “Sascha is living in his own world. I already had like five players in the locker room coming to me and saying, ‘Come on, Daniil, why are you so unfair?’” Medvedev told the press afterward. “...When he says someone is not fair play, you’re like, ‘Okay, great. Look at yourself in the mirror.’”

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