Daniil Medvedev (Image: Getty)
Daniil Medvedev has carved out a reputation as one of tennis’s most enigmatic stars.
Known for his unorthodox playing style, relentless baseline defense, and fiery on-court persona, the Russian has climbed to the sport’s pinnacle, winning the 2021 US Open and reaching multiple Grand Slam finals. A former World No. 1, he’s also claimed 20 ATP titles, including six Masters 1000 crowns.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, his career has been defined by rivalries, controversies, and moments of brilliance. Let’s delve into the lesser-known aspects of his life, from his marriage to earnings and the unforgettable drama that follows him on tour.
Net worth, salary and endorsements
According to Forbes, Medvedev’s net worth is estimated to be around £16 million as of November 2024. His career prize money stands at an impressive £35.7 million, placing him sixth on the all-time earnings list.
Endorsements form a significant chunk of his wealth. He reportedly earns close to £12 million annually through deals with Lacoste, BMW, Tecnifibre, Bovet, and Tinkoff Bank, according to Sportskeeda.
His collaboration with Lacoste, which began in 2019 and extended through 2026, even includes a signature logo featured on his shoes along with his Tecnifibre racquet. The Russian’s sharp business sense and self-admitted love for money complement his on-court resilience, making him one of the highest earners in modern tennis.
Marriage with Daria Medvedeva
Medvedev is married to Daria Medvedeva, a former tennis player turned journalist. The couple first met as teenagers while training together and reconnected in 2014 through .
After four years of dating, they tied the knot on September 12, 2018 in an intimate ceremony. Daria, once a promising tennis talent herself, had to quit the sport at 18 due to injuries.
She pivoted to journalism, studying at the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Despite stepping away from the court, her understanding of the game has been instrumental in her husband’s success.
Medvedev told Tatler in 2019, crediting his rise in the rankings to their engagement: “She gave me a lot of confidence. She handles life’s little things so I can focus entirely on tennis.”
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Alisa, in October 2022. They rang in the new year of 2025 with another announcement — Daria had given birth to their second child. She remains a constant presence in the stands, cheering him on as he continues to chase tennis glory.
The mastermind behind his rise
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Gilles Cervara the architect of Medvedev’s transformation into a Grand Slam champion. The Cannes-born Frenchman, who once sparred with stars like Marat Safin and Justine Henin, took charge of the Russian’s career in 2017.
Cervara’s sharp tactical mind and no-nonsense style earned him the ATP Coach of the Year award in 2019 — the same season his pupil reached his first Grand Slam final and won two Masters 1000 titles. Off the court, Cervara co-founded the Elite Tennis Center in Cannes, turning it into a hub for top-tier talent.
In 2024, former World No. 6 Gilles Simon briefly joined the coaching team, but the partnership ended a year later. Reflecting on the split, the Russian told Tennis Majors: “With Simon, it didn’t work out exactly the way we wanted.”
However, he was quick to highlight the positives, adding: “I’m sure it’s going to help me in the future.”
Long-standing rivalry with
Few rivalries in modern tennis have been as explosive as the one between Medvedev and . It all started at the 2018 Miami Open when, after winning a tense three-setter, the Russian accused Tsitsipas of poor sportsmanship, yelling: “Man, you better shut your f**k up, okay?”
He later claimed the Greek had insulted him as a “bulls**t Russian” and mocked his bathroom break. Tensions flared again during the 2022 semifinal.
Frustrated by on-court coaching from Tsitsipas’ father, the Russian berated the umpire, shouting: “Bro, are you stupid? His father can talk every point?!” Both players were fined for their conduct.
The drama didn’t stop there. At the 2023 Italian Open, Tsitsipas argued with his mother mid-match, prompting her to leave his player box and sit behind Medvedev’s team. After securing the win, the Russian mimicked Tsitsipas’s signature dance celebration.
The Greek later brushed it off, saying: “It was fun. I wasn’t mad or upset.” Though moments of mutual respect have occasionally surfaced, their encounters remain some of the most dramatic in modern tennis.
Fiery temper sparking multiple controversies
Medvedev’s competitive spirit often boils over, leading to several high-profile controversies. At the 2025 ABN AMRO Open, he clashed with the chair umpire after receiving a time violation against Stan Wawrinka.
Frustrated by a delay caused by the ball girl, he lashed out, saying: “Open your eyes. You don’t have eyes, man. You’re so bad. I remember with Karen Khachanov. You have a problem.”
The outbursts continued at the 2025 . During a tense five-set match against Kasidit Samrej, the Russian smashed a net camera after losing a crucial point, breaking his racket and leaving debris scattered across the court. The incident earned him a warning from the umpire and boos from the crowd as a ball kid hurried to clean up the mess.
While some see his fiery demeanour as passion, others criticise it as poor sportsmanship, especially during pivotal moments.