Tennis news: Daniil Medvedev’s regret over famous ‘low IQ’ comments at Australian Open

Russian star Daniil Medvedev has spoken out about his infamous remarks at last year’s Australian Open, which came after a fiery match against Nick Kyrgios.

Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios.

Russian star Daniil Medvedev says his infamous ‘low IQ’ remark at last year’s Australian Open was “stupid” and played down any “crazy” rivalry with Nick Kyrgios, before welcoming a chance to face the Aussie number one later this month should they be drawn to play in Melbourne.

At last year’s Australian Open the then-world No.2 and eventual runner-up painted himself as an instant villain after not only knocking Kyrgios out of his home slam in the second round, but then responding to the crowd’s jeers with the throwaway comment: “It’s not everybody who’s doing it … but those who are doing it probably have low IQ”.

Medvedev is one of many big names playing in the Adelaide International this week and ahead of his first round meeting with Lorenzo Sonego, reflected on last summer’s controversy.

“First of all the thing I said was to … out of 13,000 (people) that were there, this comment was maybe to 50 people max, that’s the first thing,” Medvedev said.

“And this comment was probably not smart on my part. The way it was, the match with Nick, sometimes you just say things and after I’m like, ‘why did I say this?’

“First of all, it’s maybe not true. Then (you tell yourself) it’s stupid. (But) that’s why we love sports, that’s why during the match we have some crazy moments, all of us.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev regrets his ‘low IQ comments at the Australian Open. Picture: AFP

“Genuinely I like Australian crowds. I remember when I played (Alex) De Minaur in Sydney, for sure all of the stadium was for him but I remember after the match sitting with my coach and saying it was a great atmosphere – they were not disrespectful.

“For sure when it’s disrespectful it’s tough for any player … it’s not easy. But again, everybody loves playing in Australia. It’s a great atmosphere so I’m looking forward to playing here and hopefully it’s going to be a good one.”

The first week of the Adelaide International features six players inside the top-15 including 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, however the Russian said if he had the choice he would have preferred to be playing United Cup with his countrymen and women.

Russia and Belarus have been banned from playing all team events including the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup and the newly-minted United Cup, which is making its debut in Australia this month concurrent to the Adelaide International.

“Oh yeah I would definitely prefer to play United Cup. I would have liked to play ATP Cup – United Cup seems interesting,” Medvedev said.

“We (Russia) would be the only team with four players in the top-10 so yeah, we would definitely be good favourites I think, but it is what it is and I’m happy to be here in Adelaide playing in this tournament.”

Daniil Medvedev celebrates after beating Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open. Picture: AFP

Sixteen of the world’s top-100 players were also stopped from competing at Wimbledon last year, with the All England Club imposing a blanket ban on all Russian and Belarusian athletes.

“That’s definitely not for me to decide. So far I haven’t heard anything and I completely understand why we’re not playing team competitions where we represent our country, but hopefully we can play the individual events,” Medvedev said.

“As I said many, many times last year I play what I can play. Here I can play in Adelaide and I’m really happy about it.”

Having just aired his desire to play in the United Cup, Medvedev added he could “relate” to Kyrgios’ decision to withdraw from the team competition.

“From what I remember Nick likes to play team competitions – I think he played Davis Cup a couple of times,” he said.

“You never know if he’s really injured. He has had some problems with his body in the past so if he wants to preserve his body before the Australian Open, that’s completely normal. If it’s some other issues which I don’t know about it’s for him to talk about, not me.

“If I was in the United Cup and got injured before the tournament I would withdraw – I actually withdrew once from Davis Cup because I was completely burned out at the end of the season, I think it was 2018, so I can relate.”

Nick Kyrgios has a good record over Medvedev. Picture: Getty

Medvedev was the man to end Kyrgios’ Australian Open in the second round last year, however the Aussie returned serve with wins at both the Canadian Masters and US Open.

Head-to-head Kyrgios boasts a 4-1 record over Medvedev and the Russian said he would love to get one back on the Aussie in their next meeting.

“The three matches we played last year I felt were all great matches,” Medvedev said.

“For sure I wanted to play better in the two I lost, but Nick is a great player.

“I don’t feel like we have some crazy rivalry because he has some more spiced-up rivalries with other players.

“I feel like when I play him it’s just a great match-up and for sure I would like to play him more to try and do better than last year. I want to try and get my revenge if I have the chance.”

But before the Australian Open Medvedev has a job to do in Adelaide, and it shapes as the perfect test of his Grand Slam preparations.

A juicy semi-final showdown with Djokovic looms should both men progress through their earlier matches.

“I saw I can play Novak in the semis … it doesn’t make me tight to know my draw further,” Medvedev said.

“I like to play Novak because we’ve had some really great matches with a great level of tennis (but) at the same time what motivates me is to be in the semis. If he’s there, great, if someone else beats him it means that somebody is in great shape and probably managed to beat the best player in the world right now. I’ll be happy both ways.”

Originally published as Tennis news: Daniil Medvedev’s regret over famous ‘low IQ’ comments at Australian Open