During a recent World Tennis League match, the fifth-ranked ATP player Andrey Rublev made a lighthearted jest regarding being the “true father” of Daniil Medvedev’s one-year-old daughter. This playful comment arose in response to a query about his position as the godfather of Medvedev’s child, a role he assumed due to his Orthodox Christian beliefs.
The light-hearted banter took place as Rublev and Medvedev were partnering to compete in the World Tennis League. When an interviewer mentioned his godfather duties and inquired about it in front of the audience, Rublev amusingly quipped, “I am the real father and he’s the godfather,” before affirming his actual godfather role.
Although his wife, Daria Medvedeva, found amusement in the remark, Medvedev himself appeared slightly surprised by the jest. The Russian tennis star, currently ranked third in the world, celebrated the birth of his daughter, Alisa, with Daria last year and has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Rublev’s playful remark shed light on his role as the godfather and the close bond he shares with Medvedev, whom he has known since childhood. Occasional glimpses into Rublev’s responsibilities as the godfather, such as attending Alisa’s christening, have been captured on video, demonstrating the connection between the two tennis stars beyond the court.
As for their upcoming professional commitments, Rublev is scheduled to travel to Hong Kong to commence his 2024 season, while Medvedev is gearing up for the Australian Open, set to commence on January 14 after qualifying matches.
The light-hearted exchange between Rublev and Medvedev adds a touch of camaraderie to their professional relationship, showcasing the lighter side of the competitive world of tennis.