‘It’s a pretty strange feeling’ - Daniil Medvedev makes honest confession ahead of Laver Cup

World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev has opened up about the “strange feeling” as international stars are set to team up for the seventh edition of the Laver Cup. The indoor hard-court men's team tournament will take place this weekend, with Medvedev playing alongside his European counterparts against players from around the world.

Medvedev's Team Europe will be looking to reclaim their title after suffering back-to-back defeats in 2022 and 2023. Notably, the Russian was a key member when they lifted the European title in 2021 and was not part of the event in the past two seasons.

This time, the 28-year-old will have to root for European superstars like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. While Zverev and Tsitsipas are known to have shared an intense rivalry with Medvedev in the past, Alcaraz was described as his toughest rival earlier this week.

Also Watch: Carlos Alcaraz meets Rod Laver and Team World captain John McEnroe ahead of Laver Cup

You want them to lose sometimes. But here that’s not the case: Medvedev

Asked about playing alongside his arch-rivals in the German capital from September 20 (Friday), Medvedev said he would be rooting for some of his international counterparts, even if it is a "strange feeling". 

“You know some of the opponents, maybe when you see them in your part of the draw, you want them to lose sometimes so you’re going to have an easier draw or something,” Medvedev said.

“Here that’s not the case. You want everyone on your team to win and it’s a pretty strange feeling in a way, but for sure Team World got the last two wins, so we’re going to bring this one back to Europe,” he added.

Medvedev has no match scheduled on the opening day. The tournament kicks off with  Team Europe’s Casper Ruud taking on Team World’s Francisco Cerundolo. This is followed by a clash between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Thanasi Kokkinakis – a rematch of the US Open.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz and home favourite Alexander Zverev meet in doubles action against America's Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in another eye-catching clash on Day 1.   

Also Check: Tennis stars take centre stage at the opening 'Black carpet' event of the Laver Cup