Daniil Medvedev accused a chair umpire on Tuesday of trying to intimidate him during his semifinal match at the China Open in Beijing on Tuesday.
The fiery Medvedev, who memorably battled with an official at the U.S. Open before his shocking first-round loss to Benjamin Bonzi last month, was accused by umpire Adel Nour of not giving his “best effort” in his match against Learner Tien and assessed a violation.
Medvedev, who split the first two sets with Tien, was down 1-0 in the third set and clearly hampered and nearly unable to walk due to cramping. With Tien serving up 30-15, Medvedev didn’t attempt to return the serve, causing Nour to charge him with the violation.
According to the ATP rules, a player could receive a fine of up to $40,000 per violation. The Athletic reported that Medvedev will not be fined. He retired from the match with Tien up 5-7, 7-5, 4-0.
“Upon reviewing the incident during Daniil Medvedev’s semi-final match in Beijing, ATP Officiating has determined that the ‘Best Efforts’ code violation was issued in error. This was communicated to Medvedev and his team following the match, and no fine will be imposed,” the ATP Tour said in a statement to The Athletic.
Medvedev asked for a supervisor to come to the court to voice his displeasure about the violation. After his U.S. Open exit, Medvedev was fined $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct and racket abuse following an on-court tantrum.
He got a few parting words in on Tuesday.
“I’m giving my best effort, so why the hell are you saying I’m not giving my best effort,” he said to Nour. “Who are you to decide for me? Who are you? What’s your name?”
Medvedev continued: “Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me? I didn’t say one word. After U.S. Open I’m trying to be good and this guy is doing that? I’m supposed to act good? Why are you trying to intimidate me? What’s your problem with me?”
Tien advanced to his first ATP Tour final against World No. 2 Jannik Sinner of Italy.
–Field Level Media
