Daniil Medvedev has weighed in after being asked about the photo of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic that has sparked much online attention.
The Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami begins next week. The event in Indian Wells is particularly exciting because both Nadal and Djokovic are returning to the event after being absent since 2019.
Some had wondered whether Nadal would skip the US tournaments and focus on being ready for the clay court swing. The 2024 Olympics is taking place at Roland-Garros this year, and David Ferrer says the Olympics is Nadal's top ambition this season.
However, Toni Nadal has said Nadal had no choice but to play in Indian Wells. This decision led to Nadal and Djokovic being on the same plane to the US, with a picture of the encounter being taken and shared on social media.
Medvedev was asked about the picture ahead of the 2024 Dubai Championships. He said his first emotion was surprise that the pair were getting ready for Indian Wells by traveling so early.
"So that was my first question, 'Why so early?' But it's fine. I guess they didn't for sure talk to each other before to choose the same flight. So, it was a surprise for them."
This year's Australian Open runner-up then stated that such surprises are a good thing when they occur, especially when they are between players who have been rivals for many years.
"When you see another tennis player like this on a plane, it's a good surprise, especially them who have been rivals for like 20 years. So, it's just a fun picture. But that shows how the tennis tour is."
Medvedev then finished by saying that the ATP Tour is easygoing and that such meetings between players are dealt with in a good way.
"You see another player on the plane, you just laugh about it, you take a picture and maybe they talked a little and then you forget about it. They go Indian Wells and prepare their way. That's how tennis tour is, friendly and easygoing."
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