Daniil Medvedev on emotional win over Fils: “I was surprised… I couldn't control it”

Daniil Medvedev explained his exuberant celebration after defeating Arthur Fils in the Indian Wells quarterfinals. The Russian had an incredible battle against Fils, a rollercoaster that ended with a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6[9-7] victory for Medvedev.

The former world No. 1, known for not hiding his emotions, had a particularly effusive reaction after the win, jumping and shouting in a way rarely seen from him. Not even when he won the 2021 US Open did Medvedev show such unrestrained joy after match point.

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Could we see another Medvedev outburst?

Undoubtedly, this was a crucial victory for Medvedev, who hasn’t had the best time over the past year, suffering several early losses, a drop in the rankings, and a title drought. After reaching back-to-back Indian Wells finals in 2023 and 2024, expectations for the Russian weren’t particularly high this year — yet he’s now into the semifinals.

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In the press conference, he was asked about his notable celebration, widely shared on social media: “It happens. I was surprised, and that got my adrenaline too much. I couldn't control it (smiling),” he said.

“Yeah, I didn't see it yet, but yeah, I mean, first of all, I lost three very tight matches this year, two of which I was really close to winning — Tien and Griekspoor,” the former world No. 1 added. “The more you lose matches like this, the more you lose confidence in these tight moments.”

Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells 2024.

When asked if fans could expect another exuberant celebration if he wins the final, Medvedev remained non-committal. The Russian will face 12th seed Holger Rune, with whom he’s already had some epic battles, including the 2023 Rome Open final and their Indian Wells 2024 quarterfinal clash.

“I don't know. Depends on the match. Depends on the moment,” he said. “I mean, today was an amazing match, amazing crowd, amazing match, tough one with the wind and everything, but I felt like high level from both of us. It was just a great feeling to win it.”

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Medvedev admits he might’ve cried if he lost to Fils

Medvedev didn’t hide his emotions in the on-court interview, where he declared that had he lost to Fils, he probably would have cried in the locker room. Is crying something Medvedev has done before?

“Cried? Definitely when I was younger. On the ATP Tour, maybe when I was younger,” he commented. “Now there are fewer chances. Frustrated, yeah, more than crying. Cry? I don’t know. Tough to say. Probably not. When I was, like, 20 I would cry more, and then I got a bit tougher as a person (smiling).”

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