Since the moment Daniil Medvedev hailed his wife as “one of the most important members” of his team, people have been eager to learn more about Daria Medvedeva. Together for a decade, this Russian couple has captured the hearts of millions, sparking intrigue about their journey together. While the former world number one surprised many by revealing Medvedeva’s tennis background, their initial encounter seemed straight out of a fairy tale.

Medvedev’s run to the Wimbledon semifinals shone a spotlight on his wife, Daria Medvedeva, a former tennis player whom he described as crucial to his team. Married happily for six years now, they first met as teenagers while playing competitive tennis. According to People Magazine, “Daniil met his future bride when they were teenagers playing competitive tennis alongside each other. The two even shared a house in Norway together when they were 14.” In fact, the couple has a beautiful story about their first encounter.

While dining with her team at a cafe near the tennis courts, Daria Medvedeva first met Medvedev when she was just 12 years old. She shared her experience of hearing a racket being hurled there in a rare interview with Tatler Russia. When Medvedeva’s mother inquired about the commotion, she replied, “It’s Medvedev playing. You don’t know him? We went to watch him.”

Daria Medvedeva also shared how Daniil Medvedev’s fierce spirit and on-court intensity initially drew her to the ATP star. “He used to fight till the end; he was prepared to do anything on court, no matter how ugly his game may look, in order to win,” Medvedeva revealed in an interview. Despite their childhood meeting, the couple officially began dating in 2014, initiated by the former world number one reaching out to his future bride on Instagram.

Once again, tennis played a pivotal role in their romantic journey, with the couple bonding over the sport before exchanging phone numbers. Medvedeva recounted traveling with her mother to Moscow to watch Daniil’s match, eager to witness how far he had come since their initial meeting.

Daniil Medvedev and his wife’s early connection warmed the hearts of many, illustrating how their destinies were intertwined. Together for a decade, with six years of marriage, Medvedev also acknowledged his wife’s significant impact on his professional development.

Daniil Medvedev revealed how his wife “gave him a lot of confidence”

In a press conference in Washington, the former world’s number-one credited her past involvement in tennis for contributing greatly to his career. Describing her as “one of the most important members“ of his team, Medvedev stated, “She gave me a lot of confidence. I always say that it’s the moment I made the proposal to her, that’s when I started to go up. It was at this moment – it was after Wimbledon – I was, I think, 65 or something like this, and at the end of the year, I was already 15.”

In an interview with People Magazine, Medvedev also expressed gratitude for Medvedeva’s role in his personal and professional growth. Medvedev’s wife played tennis competitively until the age of 18, at which point a series of injuries prevented her from pursuing her career. She made the decision to quit helping her future husband as a result. So, having a great understanding of the sport, it has been easy for her to support the disciplined life that Medvedev needs. “She knows that we can’t go shopping before the game. Understands that I can be busy from 8 am until the evening,” remarked Medvedev.

Since Daniil Medvedev praised his wife as integral to his team, their decade-long journey captivated millions, resembling a modern fairy tale. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section below!