By Dave Worsley* at Flushing Meadows
Daniil Medvedev is facing top-seed Jannik Sinner in the US Open quarter-finals. Photo: Photosport
For some athletes talking to the media is difficult, sometimes painful and other times almost combative.
However, there are those who provide entertainment as well as meaningful answers and insights. Russian world No 5 Daniil Medvedev is one of those.
Medvedev is intelligent on and off the court despite the occasional run-in with officials and obliterated racquets. He's also won a Grand Slam singles title and finished as a beaten finalist on five occasions.
After studying at an advanced school and university in Moscow and living in France for a large portion of his life, he is able to articulate what others struggle with - and understands that talking to the world via the media is important for the sport.
Medvedev's latest words of wisdom included calmly discussing the doping case relating to world No 1 Jannik Sinner.
"I just say that I hope this situation can be the same for every player - like every player can defend himself. Because I think what [Sinner] did was within the rules. It's just that the rules are a little bit vague."
There were no rash or outlandish comments; just an even-handed perspective looking at the overall picture.
He also described how players don't cheat each other, but at the lower levels it's a cacophony of chaotic line calls.
"When it was under 12 years old and you play the matches without referee, that's brutal... Like, it's not even cheating. You think the guy cheated, and then he plays a ball in the middle, and you say, 'Out'.
Daniil Medvedev is the current king of the tennis press room. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"[There are] a lot of stories like this. Tennis under 12 is brutal. It prepares you mentally. It's much tougher than ATP Tour."
In previous tournaments, Medvedev "insulted" an umpire by calling them a "small cat". The umpire and other officials weren't too sure on how to rule on the call; however, it became an internet sensation.
Talking to journalists late at night after a loss is the last thing players want to do, but it's a fineable offence if they refuse. A number of well-known players have shown their distaste for press conferences, such as the Williams sisters Serena and Venus, who could give short, disinterested answers at times.
There's been tears from some players, and bewilderment from both media and athletes at others.
Roger Federer would give a press conference in three different languages. Novak Djokovic gives very long answers and can speak in four or more languages. He's also had some curt exchanges with the media, but at times it's been a personal one-on-one clash over issues.
Medvedev is the current king of the press room; Norway's Casper Ruud isn't too far behind with his thoughtful answers and willingness to play ball with media.
Understanding how the media can be an advantage to your sport and your own personal brand is a positive for players such as Medvedev and Ruud. Perhaps it's a lesson to other sports and athletes.
*Dave Worsley is a longtime sports correspondent specialising in tennis.
