Novak Djokovic echoes Daniil Medvedev's sentiment of young players having "money, girls, casino" in an unexpected shoutout at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic humorously quoted Daniil Medvedev in his post-match chat at the Australian Open 2025 on Wednesday, January 15. The Serb talked about how the next generation of players are playing fearless tennis.

Djokovic spoke moments after his 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 win against Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round. This was the 10-time Australian Open champion’s second four-setter in as many matches, having dropped the first set before beating Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.

The Serbian great said he had to “weather the storm” at the end of the second and start of the third set before getting past Faria at the Rod Laver Arena. Responding to a question on how the Faria put up a brave fight, Djokovic jokingly referred to what Medvedev said after battling past Grand Slam debutant Kasidit Samrej on Tuesday, January 14.

“Yesterday, Medvedev played five sets, he was two sets to one down. In the wise words of Mr Daniil Medvedev, ‘If the future generation plays this way, they're going to have everything. Money, girls and casino.’ I just love that statement. I had to say it (laughs).”

Novak Djokovic, now coached by Andy Murray, added he was happy with how he recovered to get past the finish line.

“I think I responded very well. In the third and particularly the fourth set, the way I ended the match,” he added.

Tough play someone who has nothing to lose, says Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and Jaime Faria. Source: Getty

By being the most successful men’s player in the Australian Open history, the pressure is always on Novak Djokovic, especially when his opponents are unheralded youngsters.

That was exactly the case on Wednesday as well as Faria played some of his career’s best tennis to trouble Djokovic before the Serbian switched gears to pull through.

Reflecting on the match, Djokovic said:

“I mean, he was playing lights-out tennis. I think it was the end of the second set and the beginning of the third, I had to weather the storm. He's been practically serving two first serves the entire match. It’s not easy to play someone like that who doesn't have anything to lose.”

Medvedev had recently urged players to follow Djokovic’s style of warm handshakes at the net after matches, saying he admired it since his childhood. Djokovic showed just why Medvedev admired that quality about him as he shared a warm embrace with Faria at the net after their match.

“He is a big guy, very young, I think 20 or 21 years old, so I told him that the net future is bright for him. He should keep going,” said Djokovic.

Bidding for a record 11th crown at the Melbourne Major, Djokovic will next face Tomas Machac in the third round.