Hamad Medjedovic is the youngest player to win three ATP Challenger Tour titles this season. The Serbian, who advanced through qualifying at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, was also a semi-finalist at the ATP 250 events in Gstaad and Astana. Coached by former World No. 12 Viktor Troicki, Medjedovic is now making his debut at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by NEOM.
But what is the 20-year-old like off-court? ATPTour.com caught up with the World No. 110 in Jeddah to discuss his love for UFC and what he has learned on tour this season…
If you could have dinner with three people from the past or present, who would they be and why?
It’s a tough question but I’ll go to dinner with Mike Tyson, Tupac and Kobe Bryant. I like Mike Tyson’s personality, I was watching him when he was fighting. Even though I was a little kid, he was one of my role models. I love Tupac’s music, I’m listening to it all the time. And then Kobe, he’s one of the greatest athletes of all time and I’d love to meet him.
If you weren’t a tennis player, what job would you want?
I’d love to be in the FBI or something like that.
Do you watch FBI shows?
Yeah, of course I watch all the shows with FBI, CIA, all this stuff. It’s great to see them doing their job.
Describe your perfect day if you are not playing tennis.
Sleeping long for sure to set up the day well. Then just spending time with my family, girlfriend and all the people I love since I don’t get to do that during the year since we are travelling a lot. Spending time with the people who I love would be the perfect day. Maybe go somewhere or just stay home.
If you had to choose between attending a music concert or a sporting event, what would you choose and why?
I’d go watch a sports event. I love concerts, but I don’t go so often because there’s a lot of people and huge crowds. I prefer sports. I’d love to watch UFC. My favourite fighter retired, but it’s Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. He was a lightweight champion and he was a perfect fighter to me.
Who are your best friends on tour?
The guys from Serbia, I’d say Miomir Kecmanovic being one of them and all the other Serbian guys. I’m good with all the guys that are here [in Jeddah], we have a really good relationship.
What are your thoughts about the new rules and innovations at the Next Gen ATP Finals?
I love new things. I love adding something new to our sport because I feel like for so many years everything has been the same and now we get the chance to try new rules. No warm-up, shot clock, I like it and I’m happy to try it.
What’s something you’ve learned playing this year?
The difference between the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP Tour, I don’t think there is a big change of level, they are all playing pretty similar. I will go into the new season knowing that these guys are not monsters. They are all just players and you can play with every single one of them.