WATCH: Daniil Medvedev was not fine with John McEnroe’s outfit “idea” in hilarious video
The 1981, 1983 and 1984 Wimbledon champion tried to give the Russian a few style tips.
Well-known for his world-class tennis, epic meltdowns and cheeky personality, former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev evokes a modern-day John McEnroe. And now, he’s all dressed up like the American tennis champion—and the original “tennis brat”—in a hilarious new video.
In a social media promo spot for Pepperstone, the ATP Tour’s rankings sponsor, Medvedev is seen hitting on grass courts when the three-time Wimbledon champion interrupted the practice.
McEnroe, who won the men’s singles title in 1981, 1983, 1984, lobbed an "idea" that he promised would take Medvedev from being just “one of the best players in the world” to the top of the pack again.
“I feel… ridiculous?” Medvedev responded in his signature deadpan style—as the next clip revealed the Russian player kitted out in McEnroe’s signature polo and tiny shorts, red sweatband and wooden racquet.
Currently world No. 5, Medvedev could have probably done without McEnroe’s retro style advice and asked for insight into grass-court tennis instead. Though he’s made it to the fourth round at Wimbledon for the second year in a row, the Russian is the first to admit that he’s not the most comfortable playing on the lawns at All England Club.
“I probably feel more confident and in a way I feel like my high level is higher on grass than on clay. But then hard courts is the surface where I feel the most confident, where I know I can win whatever happens, et cetera,” Medvedev told press earlier in the tournament.
“But look, I played very good last year in Wimbledon. I played a very good match today. So I'm feeling great.
“I'm looking forward… It's going to be a tough, tough road. I will try to go all the way.”
The No.5 seed took another positive step on Saturday, defeating Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3) on Court No. 2 to book a spot in the fourth round. Medvedev's best result at Wimbledon is last year’s run to the semifinals, where he fell to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.