In a game that witnessed a dramatic turn of events and a recurring bout of cramps, Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev clawed his way to a 7-6(6), 6-7(1), 6-4 victory over American player Learner Tien, advancing to the quarterfinals of Shanghai Masters where he faces Alex de Minaur next. An incident unfolded in the second set of a match that echoed the pair's grueling semifinal clash at the China Open just eight days prior, where Medvedev retired mid-decider due to severe cramping. Temperature was reportedly soaring to 32°C with stifling humidity, and a heated exchange of Medvedev reportedly raised the tempers on the court as well.
Daniil Medvedev’s temper once again took center stage during the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday
night. The Russian world number nine, was seen unleashing a tirade at chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani after receiving a code violation for delaying his serve, reportedly invoking the ghost of his self-proclaimed idol, Rafael Nadal. “All my life, I've been serving and waiting for Rafa for 55 seconds,” Medvedev reportedly snapped at Lahyani, his voice echoing across the hushed stadium. He further added, “And you give me a code violation on the first occasion. I played Rafa five times; there was not one time I was ready to serve and he was ready to return.” Lahyani, appearing unfazed, calmly explained the rule, but Medvedev wasn't done. "This is crazy! You're calling me for this when legends like him got away with it?" he reportedly added, slamming his racket on the court before resuming the play.
Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev met five times before 2019 and 2022, with the former holding a 4-1 edge
In the Shanghai Masters clash against Learner Tien, midway through the third set, Medvedev collapsed to the court during a changeover, receiving on-site massage while pleading with Mohamed Lahyani for leniency. “I'm dying out here, give me a break,” he reportedly implored, a far cry from the “best effort” code violation he received in Beijing for the same cramping episode. That earlier warning, issued by umpire Adel Nour, was later rescinded by the ATP as an error, reportedly sparing Medvedev a fine but fueling his paranoia about officiating.
Reports claim that the Rafael Nadal reference wasn't arbitrary, it's a recurring theme in Medvedev's psyche. The pair met five times on tour between 2019 and 2022, with Nadal holding a 4-1 edge, including a straight-sets demolition in the 2020 French Open final where a young Medvedev donned a transparent raincoat to reportedly psych out the Spaniard. “Rafa takes forever to receive, bouncing the ball 20 times, adjusting his bottles, it's infuriating, but genius,” Medvedev reportedly quipped post-match in Shanghai, doubling down on his rant. He further added, “I've waited eternities for him, and no one said a word. Now me? Code violation? Come on.”
