"Much respect between 2 warriors" - Boris Becker praises Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev for their display of sportsmanship at Indian Wells 2023

Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev faced off in a closely contested encounter at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Despite the intensity that was on display on the court, the pair had a very respectful exchange at the net, much to the delight of Boris Becker.

During the second set of the match, Daniil Medvedev suffered an ankle injury, causing him to cry out in pain and fall to the court unable to stand. Zverev promptly rushed to his opponent's side to offer assistance. The Russian had to temporarily halt the match in order to receive medical attention and have his ankle taped up before being able to resume play.

The former World No. 1 eventually defeated Alexander Zverev 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 7-5 after a grueling three hours and 16 minutes.

The pair had a very respectful exchange at the net, with Medvedev apologizing for the long break in the match due to his need for medical attention. The German gracefully accepted the former World No. 1's apology.

"Sorry it took so look. I didn't do it on purpose," Medvedev said.

Boris Becker was all praise for the sportsmanship on display from both players as he commented on the mutual respect Medvedev and Zverev held for each other.

"Much respect between 2 warriors," Becker posted.

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Daniil Medvedev's Indian Wells QF participation in doubt due to injury concerns

Medvedev at the BNP Paribas Open

Daniil Medvedev suffered a terrible fall in the second set of his match against Alexander Zverev as he slipped and twisted his ankle, causing him to cry out in agony. The Russian required prompt medical attention and was only able to continue playing after receiving treatment and having his ankle taped up.

During the post-match interview, the World No. 5 admitted that he would get a better indication of the severity of the injury once his adrenaline goes down. He stated his decision to undergo an X-Ray scan to determine whether he will be able to play his quarterfinal match at the Indian Wells Masters.

"When the adrenaline goes down, it will be pretty painful, so I am going to probably do a scan to see what it is and if I can continue to play," he stated.

Should Daniil Medvedev be able to compete, he will take on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open. Medvedev has defeated Fokina in both their previous meetings on the ATP tour, with his most recent win coming during his title run at the 2023 ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam.