The US Open is inching towards its business end, and friendships will be put to the test. Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is set to take on compatriot Andrey Rublev on Wednesday and the anticipation around their matchup is high. So far the tournament has seen some major upsets, but none bigger than the elimination of defending champion Iga Swiatek. Last year’s winner was defeated by none other than Jelena Ostapenko.
Medvedev, who won the title in 2021, knocked out Alex de Minaur to book a spot in the quarterfinal. Andrey Rublev defeated Jack Draper to set up a quarterfinal clash with Medvedev. Their friend Jelena stunned the tennis world with her performance against Swiatek.
Recently, an old photo of the trio made rounds on the internet as they posed in New York’s Times Square ahead of the US Open in 2013. Daniil was 17 at the time, Jelena 16, and Rublev was only 15, with his birthday a few days away.
US OPEN 2023 quarter-finalists
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Rublev opened up about this photo a while ago. “It was nice memory. I think it was already more than 10 p.m., all the shops were closed. We decided to go to Central Park,” said Rublev (via Tennis365).
Fans were delighted to see this old photo of the trio. One user commented, “Med looks like a little shithead.” Another user replied that Medvedev looks like every teacher’s worst nightmare. Here are a few reactions.
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It is indeed a lovely picture and all three of them have found success on the tennis court. Medvedev and Ostapenko have won major titles and eyeing for more. It is wonderful to grow up alongside friends and find success together.
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev go way back
The two Russian players have been friends for years now. Both were born in Moscow and played against each other at local tournaments growing up. Now both of them play at the highest level.
Andrey has previously spoken about why they get on so well. They have an easy friendship and understand each other really well. Daniil Medvedev even shared an old picture of the two of them a while ago.
Even as kids we were suppperrrr excited to play each other😝🤣@AndreyRublev97 pic.twitter.com/cFdp7yZd7I
— Daniil Medvedev (@DaniilMedwed) March 3, 2023
Their friendship began as a result of tennis. Now, they are like a closely-knit family. Rublev is also Daniil’s daughter’s godfather.
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev have a friendship forged on the tennis court. No matter the outcome of their quarterfinal clash, their bond will remain strong.
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