WATCH: Daniil Medvedev ‘steals’ Jannik Sinner’s champion doll leaving the Italian frowning at the China Open 2023

Jannik Sinner defeated Russian sensation Daniil Medvedev to achieve his career high position.

WATCH: Daniil Medvedev ‘steals’ Jannik Sinner’s champion doll leaving the Italian frowning at the China Open 2023

Daniil Medvedev steals the pink doll from Jannik Sinner (Credit: Twitter)

Jannik Sinner defeated Russian sensation Daniil Medvedev to achieve his career-high position in the ATP rankings. Taking playful jibes, both the players cracked several jokes on each other during the trophy presentation ceremony. At the end of their speeches, Medvedev could not resist and stole the fluffy pink-colored China Open doll.

Both the players have a fun personality off the court. Having played each other several times, both of them have developed a friendship that is often seen on the ATP tours. While giving his winning speech, Sinner thanked Medvedev jokingly for letting him win. “Thank you Daniil for letting me win at least one match. Thank you for making me a much better player. We had to work a lot in order to defeat you,” he said while laughing.

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Medvedev also did not hold himself back and congratulated Sinner for his win in his fun style. “3rd time lucky. third final this year between us. You managed to win it. Great match,” he said jokingly. 

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Towards the end, after the photos of both the players were clicked, as Sinner was leaving, Medvedev quickly reached over and took out the championship doll from Sinner’s trophy. The crowd erupted in laughter, and Sinner clearly annoyed frowned at Medvedev. Such moments indicate the friendly nature of players with each other, even if they are rivals on the court.

Explore: Jannik Sinner overpowers Daniil Medvedev to become the champion at the China Open 2023 as he secures his career-high rank in style

Sinner creates history in the ATP tour

Sinner managed to defeat this year’s hard-court prodigy Medvedev in 7(7)-6(2), 7(7)-6(2) to claim the prestigious 2023 China Open trophy.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Credit: Wikipedia)

Sinner’s prior matches with the Medvedev never went well, as he suffered six straight defeats at the hands of the Russian. But he ended the nasty streak and achieved his career-high of World No. 4.

Sinner’s triumph in Beijing makes him the only Italian to claim multiple top fives at a single ATP event on a hard court since the ATP rankings were introduced in 1973.

Sinner started the 2023 season in the 17th position in the rankings. In the Miami Open, he overcame Carlos Alcaraz to reach the final, but he was defeated again by Medvedev. He reached the Wimbledon semifinals as well but lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic.

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