Daniil Medvedev admits he was DUMB to slam local tennis fans for having a ‘low IQ’ Australian Open

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has confessed he was “foolish” to criticize Melbourne Park tennis fans as “low IQ” after his spiteful victory over Nick Kyrgios during last year’s Australian Open.

Medvedev, 26, defeated the Australian 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in a second-round match in which the referee repeatedly warned rowdy spectators about his behaviour.

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev (pictured left) has admitted he was foolish to criticize Melbourne Park tennis fans as “low IQ” after his spiteful victory over Nick Kyrgios during the Australian Open.

Medvedev, 26, defeated the Australian 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 at last year’s Australian Open in a match in which the referee repeatedly warned rowdy spectators about his behaviour.

After the match, Medvedev accused the spectators who made noise during his service movement of having “a low IQ”.

“It’s a bit disappointing when they’re making so much noise between the first and second serves, I guess some people just have a low IQ,” he told Eurosport.

Medvedev, who is playing at the Adelaide International this week, now admits his comments were “stupid” and that he generally likes the Australian crowds.

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

And this comment was probably not smart of me. The way it was, the game with Nick, sometimes you just say things and then I’m like, ‘why did I say this?’

‘First of all, it may not be true. So (you tell yourself) it’s stupid. (But) that’s why we love sports, that’s why during the game we have some crazy moments, all of us.

Medvedev, who is playing at the Adelaide International this week, now admits his comments were “stupid” and says he generally likes the Australian crowds.

“Honestly, I like Australian crowds. I remember when I played against (Alex) De Minaur in Sydney, sure the whole stadium was for him, but I remember after the game I sat down with my coach and said it was a great atmosphere, they weren’t disrespectful.

‘Without a doubt, when it is disrespectful, it is difficult for any player… it is not easy. But then again, everyone loves to play in Australia. It’s a great environment so I’m really looking forward to playing here and I hope it’s good.”

The Russian, who is preparing to face Lorenzo Sonego in Adelaide on Tuesday, admitted that he would love to beat Kyrgios again the next time they meet.

The Russian, who is preparing to play Lorenzo Sonego in Adelaide on Tuesday, admitted that he would love to beat Kyrgios again the next time they meet (the pair are pictured after Kyrgios’ US Open victory in 2022)

The pair met two more times after the Australian Open, with Kyrgios winning both times.

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

‘Sure I wanted to play better in the two I lost, but Nick is a great player.

“I feel like when I play it it’s a great matchup and I sure would like to play it more to try and do better than last year.” I want to try to get even if I get the chance.