Daniil Medvedev gives amusing reaction on potentially wearing tights during tennis matches after Monte-Carlo thriller

Daniil Medvedev won his opening round match against compatriot Karen Khachanov at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters despite suffering from cramps.

Daniil Medvedev gives amusing reaction on potentially wearing tights during tennis matches after Monte-Carlo thriller

Daniil Medvedev (image via Championat)

Daniil Medvedev pulled up to his opening round match at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters in black tights to keep himself warm, however, he later removed those layers after the first set. This is not the first time the Russian has showed up to a match in tights.

He has worn it a few times before, most notably during his first round match at the 2024 French Open, where he received amusing reactions from fans for his apparel choice. Medvedev spoke about his preference to dress warmly in long pants and sleeves, and take them off during the match if necessary.

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Actually, it was cold all day: it was cold during the warm-up, the wind was cold. Last year in Madrid it was very cold, I got injured, so now I prefer to dress warmly: long pants and sleeves, and, if necessary, take them off during the match.

Daniil Medvedev said after the game

Medvedev faced 2020 Olympic silver medalist Karen Khachanov in the opening round of Monte Carlo Masters, bettering his record against his compatriot 7-2. Medvedev squandered a 5-1 advantage in the opening set, albeit winning it eventually but failed to capitalize a 4-1 lead in the second, with Khachanov taking it to a decider.

But when I went out, I don’t know, maybe the center court because it’s a little more protected from the wind, I immediately felt quite hot. In fact, it would have been better if I hadn’t put on pants. Because of them, the body was much hotter, because of this you get tired much faster. But it’s okay, I already understood that in the first set I would have to play with them anyway.

Daniil Medvedev added

The Russian rivals continued to break each other throughout the decider. Medvedev failed to serve it out but he got one final break to book his spot in the next round after two hours and 51 minutes on court. The 29-year-old won the opening round 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 despite a few physical challenges. With this victory, Medvedev also avenged his defeat to Khachanov in last year’s Monte-Carlo Masters third round.

Daniil Medvedev suffered from painful cramps during the match

Daniil Medvedev did not seem well throughout his opening round match at the Monte Carlo Masters as he suffered from painful cramps, though he did not take any medical timeout during the match. Medvedev also received a time violation warning when was limping during the third set.

Daniil Medvedev cramps Monte Carlo Masters 2025
Daniil Medvedev (image via Eurosport)

After Medvedev won the match, he appeared to start cramping up as he hobbled to the net for the handshake with Karen Khachanov. Medvedev then rushed over to his bench and sat down, grabbing his thigh as he asked the chair umpire to call for a physiotherapist. The Russian continued to groan in pain when a trainer came over to massage his thigh.

Daniil Medvedev is looking to break his title drought

Daniil Medvedev lost his place in the top 10 of the ATP Rankings when he was eliminated in the opening round of the 2025 Miami Open by Jaume Munar. Medvedev is also on a title drought since 2023. Though clay is not his favourite surface, he won his last title on clay at the 2023 Rome Masters, marking his sole clay title amongst his 20 ATP titles.

Daniil Medvedev Monte Carlo Masters 2025
Daniil Medvedev (image via ATP)

It’s the first match on clay. Not my favorite surface.

Daniil Medvedev said in his post-match interview

So far in the season, Medvedev produced his best performance when he progressed to the semifinals of the Indian Wells Open where he lost to runner-up Holger Rune. Medvedev will now be hoping to make a deep run in The Principality.

His next round opponent is Alexandre Muller, who knocked out Camilo Ugo Carabelli in straight sets in the previous round. Medvedev has locked horns with the Frenchman just once and triumphed in that match. They had met in the second round of 2024 Wimbledon, where Medvedev clinched the victory in four sets.