Russia’s Daniil Medvedev has entered the second round of the Miami Open embroiled in controversy following a heated match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.
During the roller-coaster encounter, which started with Medvedev losing 13 consecutive points, both players expressed frustration with each other. At the end of the season set, the Russian world No.52 took a lengthy toilet break. Then, during the decider, it was Tsitsipas’ turn to leave the court. The Greek was allowed an ‘emergency’ toilet break whilst trailing 1-2.
When returning to the court, it was visible that Medvedev was far from pleased with his rival. A netcord from Tsitsipas’ side saw no action from him. Prompting the Russian to point out that he should have said ‘sorry’ out of courtesy.
No love lost between Medvedev and Tsitsipas. After a netcord, Tsitsipas did not say 'sorry'. Medvedev: "You know that you have to say sorry, right?". Tsitsipas: "Ok, sorry." pic.twitter.com/eqfKrTbrCY
— Del🇪🇺 (@Stroppa_Del) March 22, 2018
Despite managing to prevail 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, it wasn’t until the end of the match where he completely lost his cool. Seconds after both men shook hands at the net, a comment from Tsitsipas (which wasn’t picked up by the camera) triggered an outburst from his rival. Resulting in the umpire stepping in to try and diffuse the situation.
It isn’t the first time Medvedev has made headlines due to his emotions on the court. At the Wimbledon Championships he was fined $14,500 for throwing coins towards the chair of the umpire. It appeared as if he was accusing the official, Mariana Alves, of being biast. He later denied that accusation before issuing an apology. Saying that his actions were just out of frustration.
Medvedev, who won his first ATP title in Sydney earlier this year, will face Alexander Zverev in the second round at Miami.
