Frustrated Medvedev discusses emotions after loss to Fritz at ATP Finals opener: "I expect nothing"

Daniil Medvedev spoke after threatening to abandon his ATP Finals match against Taylor Fritz. The 2021 US Open champion received multiple code violations and had a point deducted after repeatedly smashing his racquet and warning the chair umpire that he would leave.

The 28-year-old Russian is known not only as one of the top players of recent years but also for his unique personality. Medvedev doesn’t hold back his emotions on court, and in his loss to Fritz, he appeared quite unsettled.

First, Medvedev received a code violation for repeatedly hitting his racquet in the first set after committing three consecutive double faults. Later, he again hit his racquet, threw it, struck the court microphone, and even stood ready to receive his opponent’s serve with his racquet upside down.

With the score at 2-5 in the second set, Medvedev asked the chair umpire for an old ball. “I’m gonna retire. I’m gonna retire, man," he said. "I’m gonna retire if you don’t give me a ball. I’m gonna retire right now. Just one old ball, can I have one old ball?"

After the match, Medvedev attended the press conference, where his outburst became a key topic. “Unfortunately, nothing comes from my mind, and I expect nothing. I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone. Just with myself. Yeah, very frustrated," Medvedev explained.

"I mean, tough break point. Shank, on the line. I was like, Whatever, I lost the match. I don't care. I mean, you have to finish the match. You cannot withdraw, no? I just finished the match."