"Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal didn't for sure talk before to choose same flight" - Daniil Medvedev on duo's surprise reunion ahead of Sunshine Double

Former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev recently weighed in on the reunion of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal aboard a plane ahead of the Sunshine Double.

Nadal, making his return to competitive tennis following a brief hiatus due to a minor hip injury sustained during the 2024 Brisbane International, has selected the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells as his comeback stage. Djokovic, likewise, is slated to participate in the tournament, scheduled to run from March 6-17.

Coincidentally, the pair crossed paths on the same flight to the USA and took a selfie together. Djokovic later shared the photo on his Instagram account with the following caption:

"Great company on the way to USA."

Daniil Medvedev has now shared his perspective on the reunion of the tennis legends during an interview with The National ahead of his participation in the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The Russian expressed his surprise at seeing Djokovic and Nadal traveling so early for Indian Wells.

"Yes, I saw it a little bit," Medvedev said. "First of all, I was surprised, 'Where are they going so early? Indian Wells?' So that was my first question, 'Why so early?' But it's fine. I guess they didn't for sure talk to each other before to choose the same flight. So, it was a surprise for them."

Medvedev then elaborated on the typical behavior of tennis players when they unexpectedly encounter each other on a plane en route to a tournament, saying:

"When you see another tennis player like this in a plane, it's a good surprise, especially them who have been rivals for like 20 years. So, it's just a fun picture. But, that shows how the tennis tour is."

"We're fine. You see another player in the plane, you just laugh about it, you take a picture and maybe they talked a little and then you forget about it. They go Indian Wells and prepare their way. That's how tennis tour is, friendly and easygoing," he continued.

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Novak Djokovic set to compete in Sunshine Double for the first time in 4 years

Novak Djokovic pictured with his 2016 BNP Paribas Open trophy

Novak Djokovic is poised to make his return to the Sunshine Double (the Indian Wells and Miami Masters), for the first time in four years.

The tournaments were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and Djokovic couldn't participate in the following three years because he wasn't vaccinated, as required by US travel regulations (for international travelers) back then.

The Serb has an impressive track record at Indian Wells, securing victory five times in 2008, 2011 and consecutively from 2014 to 2016. Meanwhile, he last competed at the Miami Masters in 2019, lifting the trophy six times (2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016).