Medvedev accepts 'strange relationship' with fans at Australian Open stemming from 'low IQ' Kyrgios comment

Daniil Medvedev enraged tennis fans in Australia last year when he called them 'low IQ' following his win over Nick Kyrgios in a tense match.

Australian fans are known to be passionate supporters of their players and last year's Australian Open clash with Kyrgios gave Medvedev a taste of it. The Russian handled it well because he enjoys clashing with the crowd but a comment after the match enraged them to the point that they heavily cheered against him for the rest of the event.

It was particularly glaring in the final against Nadal but Medvedev understands why because the comment was perceived rather negatively in the tennis community. After beating another Aussie in Millman, Medvedev reflected on last year:

“It was a strange relationship last year. Let’s put it this way. But again, at least in my life … I forget things easily, so really happy to be here this year. Played two matches. Played against an Aussie today and it was a great atmosphere. For sure they’re going to support him more, but it was really great playing on Margaret Court Arena, playing on Rod Laver the other day."

The crowd doesn't seem to hold grudges this year as he's getting a fair bit of support and he hopes that continues:

“I don’t know if I have something to prove, but hopefully it’s going to be working well like it does now.”