Moving in One Direction: Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev cross paths with Louis Tomlinson

Kisses like cream

Her walk is so mean

And every jaw drop

When she's in those jeans

By now, many throughout tennis circles are familiar with Andrey Rublev’s one-time appearance in a boy band several years ago singing a cover of “Steal My Girl” by One Direction.

The topic resurfaced earlier this month after Rublev lost the Dubai final to countryman Daniil Medvedev. Asked about the experience, the 25-year old said, “I explain this thousand times. I was just a guest there. Because I like music a lot, I wanted to just to see how it's inside the studio, how the job are making those things. I ask my friends can I join just to see what you're doing. They say, ‘We have better idea. If you want, you can have little part.’”

Does it ever drive [Rublev] crazy, just how fast the night changes?

Flash forward to Monday evening, when Rublev’s connection to One Direction grew unexpectedly stronger.

Reuniting with Medvedev for the “Tennis Showdown” exhibition in Mexico City, the two friends crossed paths with one of the former group’s members in Louis Tomlinson. Introductions were made and photos were snapped.

Rublev would go on to win the friendly encounter, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4), at the Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico.

Though Medvedev just saw his 19-match win streak on the ATP Tour ended by Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells final, the 2021 US Open champion’s dominant period that included three titles in three weeks ahead of his best BNP Paribas Open showing propelled him back to the Top 5.

As for Rublev, he comes into the Miami Open ranked No. 7. He reached the semifinals of the 1000-level event two years ago.