When one achieves the status of being great, players who compete against them gain much respect for their idols. While it is not shown during the matches, players carry much respect for each other. Before the US Open final, Serena Williams‘ former coach talked to Daniil Medvedev about his admiration of Novak Djokovic. His answer showed how the players think of each other off the court.

Although the Russian player carries immense respect for the Djoker, he did not take his help during a moment in their final. Medvedev had an incident which caused Djokovic to step over the net and give his hand for help. His admiration did not remove his competitive spirit.

Daniil Medvedev on his admiration for Novak Djokovic

Prior to the US Open final, Rennae Stubbs, former coach of Serena Williams, wanted to get a few words out of both players. Stubbs first found Medvedev and decided to ask him a question about his opponent. She asked him about any admiration or respect he had for Djokovic. She revealed their talk during a new edition of The Rennae Stubbs Podcast.

The Aussie coach reported, “I asked the question to both players before they walked on the final what they admired about one another. And you know what, they’re respected?“

She asked him this question because she wanted to get a more interesting thing to relay to the fans later. She thought of something and came up with the question. Medvedev’s answer seemed to fulfill her wish.

She continued: “And I thought why don’t ask them how much they respect one another. And you know, what? They they get great answers, particularly Medvedev. I mean, he was just like, I admire him for coming through his, you know, his background and his, where he grew up and what he’s gone through, and I admire that about him. I was like, wow, that’s a really earnest answer.”

READ MORE: Chess-Master Daniil Medvedev Makes It Physical as His Gruesome Move Brings Novak Djokovic Down in Exhausting US Open Final Battle

The Russian star admires the Serbian for overcoming all difficulties in his life. He wanted to remain competitive and showed how he maintained that spirit during the match.

Medvedev refuses Djokovic’s help

When the third set began, Medvedev took a bad fall near the net. He didn’t get back up quickly, seemingly hurt after falling. In a show of respect, Djokovic stepped over the net and gave his hand to his opponent to pull him up. But the Russian star did not accept his help and got up on his own a few seconds later. 

The moment was a sign of respect between the two players. It only goes to show that despite the intense competition, they do not harbor any ill will against each other. Instead, they respect each other as rivals.

WATCH THIS STORY: Video: Pizza Lover Roger Federer Tries His Hand At Making The Legendary Italian Staple At New York