Daniil Medvedev escalated 'ridiculous' feud with rival: 'Can't take him seriously'

Medvedev knocked Greece's Tsitsipas out of the Australian Open on Friday to seal his place in the final. The Russian's 7-6 (5) 4-6 6-4 6-1 victory in the semi-final means he will face Rafael Nadal today. Sparks flew in Medvedev and Tsitsipas's match as the Russian accused his opponent's father Apostolos of coaching his son from the stands, which is not allowed. He unleashed a brutal rant at the umpire, screaming, "Are you stupid?" as he questioned his decision-making.

The latest drama between Medvedev and Tsitsipas is nothing new, with the pair having sparred during several of their previous meetings.

One of their early rows, which helped cement the bitterness between the pair, blew up in 2019.

Medvedev had just beaten Tsitsipas in the Shanghai Masters but had his playing style criticised by the Greek.

In response, the Russian hit out at the "ridiculous" way his rival had celebrated Team Europe winning the Laver Cup earlier that year.

He said: "Every tennis player can say something nasty about some other player.

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"Tsitsipas also gave another interview during Shanghai, if I am not mistaken."

Medvedev added: "He was asked how he celebrated the victory at the Laver's Cup.

"Not only me, but many Russian and international tennis players laughed at his answer.

"After that interview I stopped taking Tsitsipas seriously.

"He said that he was forced to drink alcohol. Well, nothing serious, but then he said: 'Mother, do you hear it? They forced me to drink! It was disgusting, I can show you the video'.

"This is ridiculous. I don't take him seriously after that."

Tsitsipas had earlier blasted Medvedev's "boring" style of play.

During his post-match media