Daniil Medvedev Clashes with ‘Crazy’ Umpire and Mentions Rafael Nadal in Match Against Learner Tien
Daniil Medvedev Advances to Shanghai Masters Quarterfinals Amid Controversy
Medvedev Faces Tense Battle Against Learner Tien
Daniil Medvedev overcame a challenging fourth-round match at the Shanghai Masters, battling against the young and determined Learner Tien. Despite the intense heat and humidity, which left Medvedev visibly frustrated, he secured his place in the quarterfinals. The 19-year-old Tien kept Medvedev on his toes throughout the match, culminating in a tense second set that went to a tiebreaker.
Controversy Strikes as Medvedev Receives Time Violation
The match took a dramatic turn when Medvedev received a time violation from umpire Mohamed Lahyani. This decision sparked an animated protest from the Russian player, who criticized the inconsistency in enforcement compared to his past matches with Rafael Nadal. Medvedev expressed his discontent, highlighting how he never witnessed similar penalties inflicted on the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Medvedev’s On-Court Outburst
During an emotional confrontation with Lahyani, Medvedev pledged to demand violations against opponents delaying his serve in future matches. As Medvedev voiced his frustrations, another official attempted to calm the situation by explaining the evolution of technology since Nadal’s prime years, but Medvedev remained adamant in his stance.
Medvedev and Nadal’s Historic Rivalry
Medvedev’s encounter with Tien stirred memories of his storied rivalry with Nadal. Their head-to-head record saw Nadal leading 5-1, with Medvedev securing a sole victory during the 2020 ATP Finals. Their most unforgettable clash came at the 2022 Australian Open, where Nadal made a historic comeback to win after being down two sets. The rivalry, which spanned from 2019 to 2022, ended with Nadal’s retirement in 2024.
| Year | Tournament | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mexican Open – SF | Rafael Nadal | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2022 | Australian Open – F | Rafael Nadal | 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 |
| 2020 | ATP Finals – SF | Daniil Medvedev | 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 |
| 2019 | ATP Finals – RR | Rafael Nadal | 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 |
| 2019 | US Open – F | Rafael Nadal | 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 |
| 2019 | Canadian Open – F | Rafael Nadal | 6-3, 6-0 |
Looking Ahead to the Shanghai Masters Quarterfinals
Following his eventful win over Tien, Medvedev now prepares to face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals on Friday, October 10. With hopes to continue his successful run, Medvedev will aim to navigate any further challenges both on and off the court in his quest for the Shanghai Masters title.
