Daniil Medvedev reveals joke that made Carlos Alcaraz laugh after China Open defeat
Alcaraz advanced to the China Open final as he extended his winning run to eight matches since the US Open
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Daniil Medvedev told Carlos Alcaraz that he would have to try dressing up like Botic van de Zandschulp after the Spaniard advanced to the final of the China Open with a 7-5 6-3 victory in Beijing.
Alcaraz was stunned by Van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open last month, in one of the biggest upsets of the season.
But the 21-year-old has been on a hot run of form since, and produced another entertaining display to beat Medvedev and reach the final of the China Open for the first time.
Alcaraz has now won his last four meetings with Medvedev, dominating the match-up since defeat to the Russian in the semi-finals of last year’s US Open in New York.
After Alcaraz beat Medvedev for the third time this year, the World No 5 covered his mouth as he went to shake hands and said something to the Spaniard that made him laugh and shake his head.
And in his press conference after the match, Medvedev explained: “I told Carlos next match I’m going to paint my hair blond and put ‘Botic’ here [drawing a line across his chest].
“Maybe this can help. As I say, today I played pretty well. I don’t see how I could beat him today, on a given day today.
“Next match I need to try something. Maybe throw him off a little bit. But it’s a joke, of course.”
Alcaraz, who has won eight matches in a row since the US Open, will play World No 1 Jannik Sinner in the final.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments