Top 5 Best Quotes of 2024, No. 1: Quotable King Daniil Medvedev spills tea at US Open

“…When I’m on the court, my mind is boiling, constantly boiling…It’s like tea. It just comes out, comes out even if I don’t want it. It just boils.”

If tennis was indeed a reality show, Daniil Medvedev would be a confessional king.

Not a man or woman currently on tour can match The Marvelous Mr. Medvedev’s mix of humor and pathos, which makes it only right that the 2024 Quote of the Year go to a time in which he combined both into an instantly iconic monologue.

Read more: Daniil Medvedev doesn’t care to make headlines. His play—and punchlines—suggests otherwise.

Speaking on the five-year anniversary of his breakout run at the 2019 US Open, Medvedev reflected on the highs and lows of that two-week stretch and gave insight into how his mind moves on the tennis court—and why he is prone to some explosive outbursts.

[When] I will finish my career, I will have some good legacy in terms of titles and good memories on court and for sure some iconic moments like on the microphone, et cetera. I like to speak. I have no problem with it. Daniil Medvedev

“I don't really like headlines,” he insisted after a second-round victory over Fábián Marozsán, “but when I'm on the court, my mind is boiling, constantly boiling. Like sometimes it's frustration. Sometimes with good emotions. It's like tea. It just comes out, comes out even if I don't want it. It just boils.”

Medvedev boiled over multiple times in 2024, most notably in Monte Carlo after taking issue with the officiating during his match against Karen Khachanov, and it is largely due to his off-court candor that the former world No. 1 has largely avoided the “villain” label often stamped on those who exhibit similar behavior.

He also has retained the respect of his peers, sharing a laugh with rival Carlos Alcaraz at the China Open when he threatened to play their next match with blonde hair and the name BOTIC across his chest—in reference to Alcaraz's US Open loss to Botic van de Zandschulp.

“[When] I will finish my career, I will have some good legacy in terms of titles and good memories on court and for sure some iconic moments like on the microphone, et cetera. I like to speak. I have no problem with it.”

Should Medvedev stay healthy in 2025, expect more iconic moments on court and off.