Daniil Medvedev has said he avoids offering advice to some younger players whose behaviour on court he finds off-putting, asking: "Who do you think you are?"
The 30-year-old Russian, currently ranked world No. 5, is the oldest player in this week's top 10. He has transitioned from a rising prospect to a tour veteran, with a career that includes the 2021 US Open title, reaching world No. 1, the ATP Finals, and six Masters 1000 titles.
A Balancing Act
Medvedev, who contested the inaugural Next Gen Finals in 2017 alongside Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov, said he does sometimes try to help younger players, but only those he likes as people.
"I guess I'm not that kind of person for anyone, but I do sometimes try to help younger players if there is a young player that I like as a person," he told BB Tennis. "I might offer to help because they are all different.
"Some of them hit a winner and act like, 'hahaha'. And I'm thinking, 'Who do you think you are?' I don't really feel like helping guys like that."
Offering Help Without Overstepping
The former US Open champion said he remains available as a sounding board for those who want guidance, but he is careful not to impose unsolicited advice.
"But there are others, and I will just say to them, 'Listen, if you have any questions, let me know,'" he continued. "I don't really like people who give me advice when I haven't asked for it. There are people like that and I usually try to avoid them, so I don't want to be that kind of person myself. That's why I just say, 'Listen, if you ever need any help, just let me know'. But again, right now, I don't think there is anyone like that."
Djokovic's Influence
Part of Medvedev's willingness to mentor younger players stems from his own experience. He has often credited Novak Djokovic for being kind to him when he was younger and lower in the rankings.
"As for who helped me, well, Novak helped me out once. There was that interesting story involving the Davis Cup and the private jet," Medvedev said. "Novak is actually someone who really enjoys helping young players, and of course, when that help comes from someone who won 24 Grand Slam titles – even though I'm a great player myself and all that – I'm pretty sure someone would appreciate it if I offered help."
Djokovic famously allowed Medvedev to join him on his private jet en route to a Davis Cup tie in 2017. Medvedev has repeatedly praised the 39-year-old for his generosity, recalling at the Australian Open a couple of years ago: "He can be tough on the court, like I can be. He can be this and that. But me, since the first time I met him, I was No. 400 in the world. Now I'm No. 3 in the world. I was No. 1 in the world.
"I feel like he treats me like before. For sure, I became more of a rival than before for him. But the treatment off-court when we see each other is the same. I like this about him. I find this very good from him as a person."
