Daniil Medvedev and Martin Landaluce shared a classy exchange at the net that defused any lingering tension from their thrilling quarterfinal clash at the 2026 Italian Open. The duo engaged in a riveting two-hour, 22-minute battle at the ATP Masters 1000 event, which culminated in the Russian securing a hard-fought 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 comeback victory.
Daniil Medvedev’s Reaction to Martin Landaluce’s Apology at the Italian Open
After the match, Landaluce was quick to issue an apology to Medvedev for a body blow he used to target the Russian at the net earlier in the match. The Spaniard had immediately raised his hands in apology when the contentious moment occurred as well.
Although Medvedev admitted that the gesture had angered him at the time, he graciously accepted his opponent’s apology afterward.
“Sorry for the ball,” Landaluce said.
“No problem. I was pissed at the moment, but it’s okay. But it’s good to win the point,” Medvedev responded.
MORE: Daniil Medvedev Details Locker Room Silence on Carlos Alcaraz: ‘Everyone Knows It’s Crazy’
Landaluce also wished the former World No. 1 the best of luck for his upcoming semifinal clash.
“Good luck,” the Spaniard said.
“Good fight man,” Daniil Medvedev replied.
All class after a tough battle 🤝@atptour #IBI26 pic.twitter.com/GE6esaDo0u
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 14, 2026
Medvedev, meanwhile, was full of praise for the 20-year-old in his post-match interview. He suggested that if Landaluce could make it a habit of playing like he did in the first set, he had the potential to break into the Top 5, qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, and even establish himself behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
“He played unreal at the beginning. If he plays like he did in the first set, every set of every match, he will be Top 5 by the end of the year, Turin, next after Sinner and Alcaraz. When you’re young, it’s tough to play a full match like this.”
“Even Jannik had problems with this, then he managed to solve it as we see. So, I just fought,” he said. “I’m happy that I managed to seal the victory.”
Up next, No. 7 seed Daniil Medvedev will face his toughest test yet against top seed Sinner in a blockbuster semifinal clash in Rome. The four-time Grand Slam champion claimed a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev to set up the showdown.
The Russian trails 7-9 in their head-to-head record and will need to raise his level significantly after losing all four of their most recent encounters. The winner of the match between Medvedev and Sinner will take on either Casper Ruud or Luciano Darderi in the Italian Open final.
