Medvedev reveals banter with Alcaraz: “Going to paint my hair blond and put ‘Botic'”

Russian Daniil Medvedev couldn’t produce his best tennis against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the China Open on Tuesday, losing 7-5, 6-3, but had the better of the Spaniard with cheeky banter during the post-match embrace at the net.

Medvedev teased Alcaraz by reminding him of his shock loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the 2024 US Open in August this year.

“I told Carlos next match I’m going to paint my hair blond and put ‘Botic’ here (on his chest). Maybe this can help,” Medvedev said during his post-match presser in Beijing.

The Russian’s remark notably brought a smile to the four-time Grand Slam champion’s face.

This was the 28-year-old’s fourth straight loss, third in 2024, against Alcaraz. The two faced each other in the Indian Wells final and Wimbledon semi-finals prior to the Beijing match-up.

Their Tuesday meeting was extended across an hour, 26 minutes, with Alcaraz claiming the win on the back of 23 winners, five break-point conversions, and three aces.

“I don’t see how I could beat him today on a given day today,” the 2021 US Open champion added. “Yeah, next match I need to try something. Maybe throw him off a little bit. But it’s a joke, of course.”

“It was a fun match to play” – Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev notably faltered one step before matching his previous performance at the China Open. He reached the final in 2023, losing to Jannik Sinner. He felt privileged to campaign in Beijing:

“I love it in China. I love it in China. I love Chinese fans. I feel like they love me. That’s probably one of not many places in the world.”

He entered the tournament this year seeded third and went past the likes of Gael Monfils, Adrian Mannarino, and Flavio Cobolli to make the semis.

“Honestly, it was a fun match to play. Also, it’s also rare that I’m going to say something like this after a defeat. But it was a fun match to play. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to what’s next.”

Alcaraz now leads Medvedev 6-2 in their overall head-to-head.

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