‘It comes with mixed emotions,’ Daniil Medvedev reacts to replacing Novak Djokovic as World No. 1

‘It comes with mixed emotions,’ Daniil Medvedev reacts to replacing Novak Djokovic as World No. 1

Daniil Medvedev

US Open champion Daniil Medvedev became the new World No.1 this week in Acapulco following Novak Djokovic’s quarterfinal exit at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Medvedev just had to match Djokovic’s result in Dubai to secure the No.1 ranking and he did that by going a step further in the semifinals at Acapulco where he eventually lost to Rafael Nadal.

Medvedev also is the first tennis player other than the Big 4 of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray to become the World No.1 since Andy Roddick in 2004. He now has 8615 points to his name and leads Djokovic by 150 points. The Russian reacted to becoming the new No.1 on social media and said that it’s a huge honor to take over the spot.

But Medvedev added that he isn’t in the state to be happy given the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine. “It’s a huge honor to take over this spot. I’m sure everyone can understand it comes with mixed emotions that it happens this week,” Medvedev wrote on Twitter.

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He further thanked his wife, friends, and everyone for the overwhelming support and said that it’s a long journey ahead. “Thank you to my wife, team, sponsors, friends, & everyone that has helped along the way. It’s a long journey and I look forward to the years ahead,” he concluded.

Medvedev to lose No.1 ranking to Djokovic in a couple of weeks?

Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev

The Russian leads Djokovic, who is currently at the No.2 spot with 8465 points, by just 160 points. With no tournaments for the next 10 days, Medvedev will keep the No.1 ranking but will lose to for a brief moment in a couple of weeks as he’ll lose points from Open 13 in Marseille that he won last year.

But with Djokovic likely to miss Indian Wells, he will regain the top spot post the mega tournament in California. With not many points to defend in the clay season, he could very well extend his lead at the top in the coming three months.

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