"He's like a mischievous little bad boy": Evert speaks highly of 'very charismatic' Medvedev for adding personality to tennis

Having someone as prolific as eighteen time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert dishing out praise, it's hard not to agree with her that Daniil Medvedev is 'great for the game'.

Ordinarily in tennis, to be a 'mischievous little bad boy' as Evert coined the 5th ranked Russian, would split opinion as to whether they are loved or hated. Not Medvedev.

He has made this part of his charm. Part of what makes him appealing to the masses and it appeals to Evert in a recent interview with Eurosport.

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“I love him,” former world No. 1 Evert told Eurosport’s Arnold Montgault. “I think he's very charismatic. I thought he spoke very eloquently, and he speaks very well.

"He's very likeable - he's like a little kid on the court sometimes when he's like a mischievous little bad boy.

“But I think it adds a lot of personality to the game of tennis, and he's not afraid to wear his personality or his heart on his sleeve. I think it's good to have all those varieties.

“His game is wonderful to watch. At times, you can't believe the shots that he pulls out of the hat. He's very unpredictable in his shot-making. He's got the power and he's got the movement.”

While other tennis 'bad boys' segregate the audience through actions which may make them feel uncomfortable, Medvedev brings out a wry smile.

Evert added: “He's going to go back to the drawing board probably after this past match at Indian Wells and try to figure out another kind of game plan for Carlos, but his hands were tied. There's really nothing he could do.

“I think he's great for the game. I'm a fan of his.”

In Indian Wells just last week where Daniil had a very successful week reaching the final in which he lost in straight sets to Carlos Alcaraz, the Russian appeared to have two opponents on the court every singles match. A tennis player and the court surface itself.

During an amusing interaction with the umpire during his Round of 16 clash with Alexander Zverev, Medvedev was in need of a bathroom break stating, 'I’m going to be as slow as this court. I don't care if I get a time violation'. Even the Umpire himself was amused.

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In the wake of Roger Federer's retirement and the inevitable looming retirement of Rafael Nadal, two players that have conducted everything they do with both grace and respect, Medvedev's injection of cheeky charm certainly seems refreshing and very needed right now.