Daniil Medvedev Reveals 'Toxic' Tennis Locker Room Atmosphere from 20 Years Ago After Australian Open Win

Medvedev Defeats Halys to Reach Australian Open Third Round, Shares Insights on Tour's Past Locker Room Vibes

© Patrick Hamilton via AFP

Arthur Millot

le 21/01/2026 à 16h12

1 min to read

Alcaraz Carlos Medvedev Daniil Roddick Andy Sinner Jannik

On court, Daniil Medvedev got the job done. Facing Quentin Halys, the Russian prevailed (6-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2) to reach the third round of the Australian Open.

But it was especially off the court that the former world No. 1 captured attention.

“The atmosphere was toxic”: revelations about the tour's past

Questioned about the atmosphere in the locker room, Daniil Medvedev recalled confidences shared by those close to him.

“My coaches told me that 20 years ago, the situation was as toxic as possible. I heard stories I can't reveal… and it shocked me.

But today, the atmosphere is different. It's really friendly. Everyone laughs, even before or after matches,” he explains.

Proof of that is Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner traveling together to Melbourne after their exhibition in South Korea.

Podcast and retirement

Finally, Medvedev also looked ahead to the future. And the idea of a podcast appeals to him without overly exciting him.

“When I've been retired for five years, maybe. But before that, I want to enjoy my family.

I like Andy Roddick's podcast, for example, because he respects the players. But others criticize the entire tour and I don't want to become that kind of guy.”