Greek world No.69 Stefano Tsitsipas has said that he regrets his recent on-court dispute with Daniil Medvedev at the Miami Open.
The match umpire had to step in at the end of the second round match after Russia’s Medvedev lost his cool with the Greek rising star. During their clash, both players expressed frustration with each other after lengthy toilet breaks. Medvedev took his at the end of set two followed by Tsitsipas midway through the decider. The Russian also also criticised his opponent for not apologising for a netcord.
Medvedev claimed the win 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, but a comment from his rival afterwards triggered an outburst from the Russian. Who called the Greek ‘a small kid who doesn’t know how to fight.’ It is unclear what Tsitsipas said as the on-court cameras failed to pick it up.
Two weeks after the incident, the 19-year-old has played down the confrontation. In a statement given to Russian website Sport Express, Tsitsipas insists that he never wanted to engage in a fight with his fellow rival.
“I lost and was very frustrated. I’ve said not the best things and there’s nothing good in it. But I didn’t want to fight or something like this.” He said.
As for Medvedev, he is yet to comment on the incident that took place on March 23rd.
The two players will not play in the same tournament until the Monte Carlo Masters. Prior to then, Tsitsipas will play in the qualifying draw for next week’s Grand Prix Hassan II in Morocco.
