Follow us on Google Discover Daniil Medvedev recently had a heated confrontation with an umpire during the Asian swing.
In his semifinal clash with Learner Tien at the China Open, Medvedev was handed a code violation for ‘not trying his best’, despite the Russian dealing with cramp.
He then confronted the umpire to contest the decision, asking why he was trying to intimidate him, and stating he was giving his best efforts.
Medvedev ultimately retired from the match with Tien due to injury, with the American advancing to his first tour-level final.
Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty ImagesNick Kyrgios discusses Daniil Medvedev’s retirement in Beijing
The situation did not go down well with former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, who recently came to the defence of Medvedev in an episode of ‘Unscripted’.
Kyrgios said: “I feel like ever since the start of my career, umpires have pushed my buttons a little bit.
“Medvedev said it the other day. They try to intimidate, and they try to enforce their power a bit too much on certain players that they know can switch.
“Medvedev said it perfectly. He was cramping in China, and when you’re cramping, there’s only so much you can do. You can’t move a lot.
Medvedev who was clearly suffering from cramp in the deciding set v Tien was sensationally given a code violation from the umpire for not trying.
Medvedev was not impressed. 👀pic.twitter.com/ZxMlMBfAxm
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) September 30, 2025
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“And he was trying to play, and then the ref was like ‘Oh, you’re not giving your best effort’ and it’s like, Medvedev literally had to retire.
“He had a full-body cramp, and he leaned on the net and was like: ‘Why does this umpire try and intimidate me and say these things, like, to get a reaction’?”
When asked if umpires intimidate players on purpose, Kyrgios responded: “I feel sometimes they do, for sure.
“They’re sick puppies, bro, like they’re people that had no power growing up, so they think being an umpire is like some form of authority.
“The umpires can make all their mistakes in the world, and they don’t even get a slap on the wrist. It’s crazy.”
Daniil Medvedev’s results since his retirement in Beijing
After his Beijing campaign came to a disappointing end, Medvedev enjoyed an impressive run at the Shanghai Masters.
The former world number one dropped just one set en route to the semifinals and earned revenge against Tien in the round of 16.
He beat Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, but was overcome by Arthur Rinderknech in the final four, losing to the Frenchman in three sets.
Medvedev certainly looks to be back to his best under the wing of his new coach, Thomas Johansson, and will now feature at the Almaty Open as he looks to finish the season strong.