“Competition is a drug. Competition is the most important for me,” said Daniil Medvedev earlier this year at the Qatar Open. A former US Open champion, Meddy is looking to regain glory after a disappointing start to the 2025 season. The fifth seed in Melbourne suffered a shock second-round defeat to rising star Learner Tien in a grueling five-set showcase that lasted for more than four hours. He was later met with a similar fate in Rotterdam after exiting in the Round of 16. Despite being close to opening his books in the Middle East swing, the former World No. 1 finished as a quarterfinalist in Doha and Dubai. However, Medvedev has seemingly restored his rich vein of form in Indian Wells. Amusingly, his triumph in the quarterfinals sparked an uncharacteristic reaction, earning a special reaction from a former tennis pro.

Meddy, after ending Tommy Paul‘s campaign in the Round of 16, set up a quarterfinal date with Arthur Fils without losing a set i the entire campaign as well. And he capped the opening set against Fils with relative ease as well but was unable to hold his end in the second – forcing a decider between the duo. In the third set, the American narrowly edged past the Frenchman with a tiebreaker win and wrapped the high-octane contest 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7). However, the only thing more epic than his dramatic escape in Tennis Paradise was his victory celebration.

After the third match point prompted an error from Fils, the Russian star couldn’t hold it together. Medvedev threw his arms in the air like he’d won a lottery, and his ecstatic reaction drew an adorable response from former American player Shelby Rogers. Taking to Instagram, the 32-year-old posted a snap of the viral clip and captioned the story – “This Meddy reaction” – to address her thoughts on the Russian player’s raw emotions. For those unaware, the fifth seed is known for his non-celebrations, with his “dead fish” flop after claiming a maiden Slam in Flushing Meadows being the only exception.

As for Rogers, the American sensation called time of her professional career in New York last year. Before taking on good friend and countrywoman Jessica Pegula as her final opponent, the former World No. 30 highlighted that she had pushed her body “to its limit” after persistent injuries over the past few years made her comeback quite challenging. Though she admitted that she would “play this sport forever.”

Coming back to Medvedev nevertheless, the Russian player addressed his thoughts on his unusual celebration after the match.

Daniil Medvedev apologizes to Arthur Fils: “Adrenaline got me going”

Daniil Medvedev showed unbelievable hustle to keep his title bid alive in the Californian desert on Friday, March 14. And, moments after his out-of-character, match-winning celebration surprised the crowd, the former World No. 1 reserved a few words to address his riveting performance against Arthur Fils. Meddy also apologised to the Frenchman for the joyous eruption, clarifying that the win clearly came as a huge relief for him.

“I’m not sure what I was thinking, but it was an amazing atmosphere. If I would make a winner on match point, I would probably be less excited,” the Russian explained with a smile. “Because I was surprised, I thought the point is over and we go again, and he missed it. It happens. I was surprised, and that got my adrenaline too much. I couldn’t control it!”

He continued, “The adrenaline got me going. I jumped next to him. Then I was, like, ‘Sorry, man, I usually don’t celebrate like this.’ But it’s OK, it can happen.” With this victory, Medvedev now boasts a healthy 12-6 win-loss record for the 2025 season and is hoping to lift his first title of the year in Indian Wells.

The 29-year-old will next lock horns with Danish Holger Rune for a place in the tournament’s summit clash on Sunday, March 16.