Daniil Medvedev urges players to follow Novak Djokovic's style of post-match handshakes

Daniil Medvedev has encouraged fellow tennis players to follow Novak Djokovic’s style of warm handshakes after matches, stressing the importance of maintaining mutual respect and sportsmanship irrespective of the result. The three-time runner-up at the Australian Open said Djokovic’s warm handshakes are an example for the younger generation to be gracious in victory and defeat.

The Russian told reporters ahead of the 2025 Australian Open:

"Personally I like more Novak style. When I was young, I was always admiring it, Novak on the court, can be tricky. Even like, yeah, be tough to his box. Not to the opponent, but you can see he can get frustrated by the opponent playing well or something. But once the match finishes, he tells himself, It's done, the battle is done.

He always congratulates his opponent, no whether he won or lost. Always smiling. I like this. At the same time, I can understand some people when they lose, you're frustrated, you don't want to smile at your opponent that just beat you. I'm okay with both but I prefer warm handshakes.”

Novak Djokovic (R) shakes hands at the net with Daniil Medvedev at the Paris Masters. Source: Getty

Medvedev has successively reached the last three Australian Open finals and will yearn to break that jinx in 2025.

---

Daniil Medvedev looking to break final jinx at Australian Open

Daniil Medvedev is a man on a mission. He yearns to finally get his hands on the Australian Open title this time. The 28-year-old has reached the final of the Australian Open thrice but has fallen short each time.

Medvedev was defeated by Djokovic in 2021 and then lost to Rafael Nadal in a grueling five-setter in 2022. He made the final again in 2024, where he was leading by two sets but eventually let it slip against Jannik Sinner.

Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev pose with their trophies after the 2024 Australian Open final. Source: Getty

Keen to shed his tag of a "one slam wonder", Medvedev will hope the fourth time is the charm in Melbourne. The US Open champion will face Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej in the opening round on January 13.