Daniil Medvedev Says Tennis Locker Room Used to Be Extremely Toxic

Daniil Medvedev is known for being one of the most open and engaging personalities in tennis. He just shared some pretty shocking insights from his coaches about what the locker room used to be like.

From 2017 until the 2025 US Open, Medvedev worked with coach Gilles Cervara. They had a really successful run together, but split after the six-time Grand Slam finalist had a disappointing 2025 season.

He only won one major that year, which was pretty tough for someone of his caliber.

Cervara was replaced by Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke. Under their guidance, Medvedev’s game has gotten significantly better compared to where he’d been for the previous 18 months. On Wednesday, he made it to the 2026 Australian Open third round.

After beating Quentin Halys to reach that stage, Medvedev got an interesting question in his press conference. Someone asked about locker room dynamics and whether there were any notable interactions between players who have to share that space.

The 2021 US Open champion said that almost all players are friendly and nice with each other now.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

His coaches told him that today’s dynamic is completely different from how things were 20 years ago.

"That’s a very good question, because probably five, six days ago I was talking to my coaches. They’re both here, Rohan [Goetzke] and Thomas [Johansson]. Rohan was coaching on the tour like, what, maybe 20 years ago. Yeah, around 20. Maybe even more."

Medvedev explained that he’s only known the current locker room atmosphere since he joined the tour. And honestly, he’s always found it super friendly.

"Thomas was playing kind of at the same time. I only know the locker room since I came in, and to be honest, I always said, it’s super, like, friendly. Yes, on the court sometimes we can… I mean, never fight, but we can have a chat here and there. Maybe there is, I don’t know, two, three guys out of the top 100 you don’t like, but in general, it’s a super friendly atmosphere."

Sure, there might be some tension on court sometimes. Maybe a couple players you don’t get along with out of the top 100. But overall? It’s pretty chill.

Then Medvedev dropped the bombshell.

Johansson told him some stories that left him absolutely astounded. But he’s vowed to never reveal them since he doesn’t think it’s his place.

Those stories paint a completely different picture from Medvedev’s experience of chatting and laughing with opponents before and after matches.

"Everyone laughs, even sometimes before the matches or after the matches. If you’re really in a good relationship, you can kind of laugh it off. I heard from them that 20 years ago it was as toxic as it could be. That’s what they say. So I don’t know if it’s ever in the podcast or something, but I heard some stories from Thomas. I’m never going to reveal them."

As toxic as it could be. That’s a pretty strong statement.

"I was, like, shocked. I was, like, but that’s why you guys finish your careers early because it’s constant pressure. He told me some stories where it’s, like, you know, from when you wake up, you’re already under pressure."

Imagine waking up every day already feeling that weight. From the moment you opened your eyes, you were under pressure. Going to the locker room meant more pressure.

No wonder some players burned out early.

The former ATP world No. 1 then brought up a perfect example of today’s friendlier atmosphere. He mentioned Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner sharing a jet after their recent exhibition match.

"Going to the locker room, you’re under pressure. I know our locker room is great. It’s very chill, very relaxing. You see [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner are sharing the jets or whatever. I think it’s good, because that’s what makes us enjoy tennis and enjoy the tour."

It’s pretty amazing to think about how much the sport has changed. Today’s top players can be fierce competitors on court, then share private jets afterward. Twenty years ago? Apparently, that would’ve been unthinkable.

This shift probably helps explain why we’re seeing such longevity from today’s stars. When the environment is supportive rather than toxic, players can focus on their tennis instead of constantly watching their backs.