"You're probably the most respectful player on tour" - Daniil Medvedev after going down to Carlos Alcaraz in 2023 Indian Wells Masters final

Despite being comprehensively outplayed by Carlos Alcaraz in the title round of the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, Daniil Medvedev called his opponent the "most respectful player on tour" for his ability to greet all those he came across on a regular basis.

Alcaraz was in imposing form as he brushed aside a challenge from the in-form Russian to register a magnificent 6-3, 6-2 victory in the finals of the Indian Wells Open.

Medvedev, who won three straight tournaments coming into the ATP Masters event, was undone by Alcaraz's delectable drop shots and the Spaniard's ability to change the pace and direction of his returns almost at will.

Speaking in his on-court interview, the former World No. 1 congratulated Alcaraz on his win and praised him for his respectful nature.

"First of all would like to congratulate Carlos. You already have amazing achievments in your career. And, I'm sure many more to come. So, today is one of them, one more winning Indian Wells. I also dream of it. So maybe next time you will give me the chance," he said.

"You already have amazing achievements in your career," he added. "Winning Indian Wells is one of them. You are probably the most respectful player on tour, saying hi to 300 people per day."

Thanks to the win, Alcaraz regained his World No. 1 rankings, which he lost to Novak Djokovic after the Serb won the Australian Open in January.

---

"I would like to thank this court" - Daniil Medvedev after overcoming injuries during Indian Wells

Daniil Medvedev in action at the Indian Wells Open final

Daniil Medvedev, who had his share of injury scares during the course of the Indian Wells tournament, used his characteristic sense of humor to stress the fact that the court had given him a hard time before, adding that he was happy he could finish the competition.

"I had a pretty toxic relationship with the courts here. A lot of love, hate moments. I would like to thank this court. I was giving it a hard time so it gave me a hard time also - rolled ankle, the thumb. But it gave me the chance to finish this tournament," he stated..

Medvedev rolled his ankle while playing Alexander Zverev in the fourth round while also sustaining a thumb injury en route to his win over Alejandro Davidovic Fokina in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.