Daniil Medvedev says that tennis locker room used to be 'as toxic as it could be'
NewsThursday, 22 January 2026 at 20:05
Daniil Medvedev is known for being among the most open and engaging personalities in tennis, and he continued that by sharing an interesting insight from his coaches.
From 2017 until the 2025 US Open, Medvedev was coached by Gilles Cervara. They had a very successful time together, but split after the six-time Grand Slam finalist endured a very disappointing 2025, including winning just one major at the Majors.
Cervara was replaced by Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke. Under their guidance, Medvedev's level has significantly improved from where it had been for the previous 18 months, and he progressed to the 2026 Australian Open third round on Wednesday.
In his press conference after beating Quentin Halys to reach that stage, Medvedev was asked about locker room dynamics and if there were any notable interactions between players who have to share a space together.
The 2021 US Open champion said that almost all players are friendly and nice with each other now, but revealed that his coaches have told him that the current dynamic contrasts sharply with how it was 20 years ago.
"That’s a very good question, because probably five, six days ago I was talking to my coaches. They’re both here, Rohan [Goetzke] and Thomas [Johansson]. Rohan was coaching on the tour like, what, maybe 20 years ago. Yeah, around 20. Maybe even more."
"Thomas was playing kind of at the same time. I only know the locker room since I came in, and to be honest, I always said, it’s super, like, friendly. Yes, on the court sometimes we can… I mean, never fight, but we can have a chat here and there. Maybe there is, I don’t know, two, three guys out of the top 100 you don’t like, but in general, it’s a super friendly atmosphere."
Medvedev said Johansson told him some stories that left him astounded, but vowed to never reveal them since he does not think it is his place. Those anecdotes contrast sharply with Medvedev's experience of speaking to some opponents before and after the match.
"Everyone laughs, even sometimes before the matches or after the matches. If you’re really in a good relationship, you can kind of laugh it off. I heard from them that 20 years ago it was as toxic as it could be. That’s what they say. So I don’t know if it’s ever in the podcast or something, but I heard some stories from Thomas. I’m never going to reveal them."
"I was, like, shocked. I was, like, but that’s why you guys finish your careers early because it’s constant pressure. He told me some stories where it’s, like, you know, from when you wake up, you’re already under pressure."
The former ATP world No. 1 then mentioned Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who Medvedev may struggle to compete against despite his improved level, sharing a jet after their recent exhibition.
"Going to the locker room, you’re under pressure. I know our locker room is great. It’s very chill, very relaxing. You see [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner are sharing the jets or whatever. I think it’s good, because that’s what makes us enjoy tennis and enjoy the tour."
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