If you think you’ve seen the best of high-octane rivalries on the court, wait till you hear from Daniil Medvedev. For him, competition runs on both sides, whether it’s on the field or at his home. The Russian superstar knows how to keep his play in check and his wife is no stranger to that. Ahead of his quarterfinal showcase against Felix Auger-Aliassime, Meddy told fans that competition is engrained in his daily life. It’s sort of like an addiction, a “drug” he’s hooked on and, fighting with his wife just to prove he’s right confirms that.

Meddy had a slow start to the season. His bid for a maiden Australian Open title after falling short of his quest in the 2021 and 2022 editions suffered a dreadful fate yet again. The Russian sensation was sent packing in the second round. He was unable to pick up the pace in Rotterdam either as he suffered a premature exit but, later, finished semifinalist at Open 13. The former US Open champion moved his affairs to the Middle East and luckily, found his footing.

The Russian star displaced Karen Khachanov in his opening act at the Qatar Open and Zizou Bergs to book a quarterfinal date against Canadian Aliassime. Before stepping into action, Meddy talked about some of the things he enjoys the most during an on-court interview. To much hilarity, the former World No. 1 shared his thrill of being competitive in life. He elaborated that above all things, and even tennis, competition runs hold a special place in his life and admitted that this trait prompts him to argue with his wife, Daria.

He said on We Love Tennis, “The competition. Competition is a drug. The competition is an adrenaline. Many things I do, even outside of tennis, are competition. Sometimes I play video games. Sometimes I do something less important. Sometimes I argue with my wife about who is right. Competition is my life. I love it. Apart from that, it will be difficult to find more things to enjoy when you have two children and have already been playing for a few years. Competition is the most important thing for me.“

Some might say that his wife has her hands full dealing with Meddy’s intriguing side but, there might be more to the story. According to Meddy, his wife Daria might have to put up with a little more if his prediction about passing on his traits to his daughter comes to life.

Daniil Medvedev makes candid mental health admission – ‘Can see it in my daughter too’

Russian superstar Daniil Medvedev is known for his on-court antics and outbursts. Melting his racket against the pole and quarreling with the umpires isn’t irregular when he takes to the court. Only this time, the former World No. 1 candidly discussed his anger issues during matches.

During an interview in Doha, Meddy revealed that he discussed things with his psychologists to figure out some things and admitted that he saw a similar demeanor in his eldest daughter, Alisa. “On the court, it’s a different story, it was since I was young, and I can see it a little bit in my daughter. Whenever I’ve worked with someone, like psychologist and etcetera, you try to find reasons, maybe it’s from childhood, this, that. But, well, my daughter, we didn’t even have time yet to educate her, and she acts like me sometimes. Maybe it’s in the genes.”

The 29-year-old also highlighted that his strong emotions come from his deep-rooted desire to win. “On the court I play to win. I play, you know, you play to die, to compete, the only thing that matters is to win the match,” he added.

For now, Meddy will look to stay focused at the Qatar Open and hope to add his first title of the season in Doha.