Daniil Medvedev says the difference in his on and off-court personality makes him think he may be a bit bipolar but also adds that he is seeing something similar with his daughter Alisa.
On Tuesday, the Russian tennis star came back from a set down to beat fellow compatriot Karen Khachanov 4-6 7-5 6-3 in the first round of the ATP 500 tournament in Doha.
But before he ended on the winning side, the former world No. 1 tossed his racket in the air in a moment of frustration late in the first set.
The way he did this but still managed to win makes me like him even more pic.twitter.com/O1R7MhycgL
— Did Daniil Medvedev Celebrate? (@DidMedCelebrate) February 18, 2025
Seeing Medvedev do something like that isn’t anything as his on-court outbursts and meltdowns are well-documented.
However, there is one thing that always surprises the Russian – he is always wondering why such moments never happen off the court but only on the court.
Medvedev: It’s like I’m bipolar…
“It’s a bit like I’m bipolar, right? When I’m on the court, I’m very focused and the adrenaline is flowing,” the 29-year-old explained to L’Equipe.
“In front of you, there’s no more adrenaline and when it’s like that, I’m cool. I don’t see why I should get upset. But on the court, it’s a different story.
“It’s been like that since I was very young and I also find that in my daughter.
“I’ve worked with people, psychologists… Maybe it comes from my childhood, or something else.
“But yes, while we haven’t finished educating our daughter yet, sometimes she behaves like me. Maybe it’s genetic.”
After making his point clear, Medvedev noted that he is ultra-competitive and “plays to death” on the court.
So when he is extra motivated and determined, emotions can run high.
“Things can happen that make you angry,” the world No. 6 added.
Meanwhile, after beating Khachanov, Medvedev also beat Zizou Bergs to set up a Doha quarterfinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Tennis World USA