Daniil Medvedev Throws a Fit, Blames Rafael Nadal for Umpire’s 'Crazy' Call

Is Medvedev Actually Right, Though?

Here’s the thing—he might have a point. Anyone who has watched a Nadal match knows that the Spanish superstar has a certain… rhythm. His meticulous pre-serve routine, involving a symphony of tugs, bounces, and adjustments, is iconic. It’s also notoriously time-consuming. While the rules state players have 25 seconds between points, Nadal often seems to operate in his own timezone, and umpires have historically been lenient.

So, when Medvedev gets flagged for the very thing he’s seen a legend get away with for years, you can understand his frustration. Is it a bit dramatic to bring it up mid-match? Absolutely. But is there a kernel of truth to his complaint? Probably. It’s like watching your sibling get away with something you’d be grounded for weeks for doing. You’re going to complain, and you’re going to complain loudly.

Despite the Drama, Medvedev Scrapes Through

Despite his sideline spat and dealing with cramps in the intense Shanghai weather, Medvedev managed to pull himself together and win the match. He dropped the second set in a tiebreak but ultimately conquered Tien with a final score of 7-6(6), 6-7(1), 6-4. It was a gritty, ugly win, but a win nonetheless.

It seems the outburst might have even been a classic Medvedev tactic: create chaos, channel the frustration, and somehow find a way to win. It’s a bizarre strategy, but for a player as uniquely wired as him, it just seems to work.

After the match, he even had some surprisingly kind words for his opponent, calling the 19-year-old Tien an “unbelievable player.” It’s this weird mix of explosive anger and post-match grace that makes Medvedev such a fascinating character in the sport. One minute he’s ready to fight the world; the next, he’s praising the kid he just beat. Never a dull moment.