Tennis fans at the US Open were left outraged after an unusual incident occurred during Daniil Medvedev's match against Alex de Minaur. Despite losing the first set, Medvedev made a surprising move by leaving the court for 20 minutes, only to return with fresh clothes and bounce back to win the match.
Controversial Move Raises Eyebrows
Medvedev, ranked World No.3, struggled in the New York heat during his last-16 showdown with de Minaur. The Australian outsider dominated the first set, causing frustration for the Russian player. However, what shocked fans even more was when Medvedev walked off the court, leaving everyone bewildered.
A 20-Minute Absence
During his absence, Medvedev changed his clothes and took the opportunity to regroup. It was later revealed that he was seen using an inhaler and had received a visit from his trainer. The Russian athlete then made his way back to the court, ready to resume the match.
Return with a Vengeance
The 2021 champion quickly regained his momentum and powered through the next four sets, ultimately securing the victory. Despite fans' divided reactions, Medvedev's decision to leave the court completely falls within the rules of the game, as he appeared to be struggling for breath in the scorching New York conditions.
Outspoken Tennis Commentator Calls for Action
Tennis commentator Todd Woodbridge, from Channel 9, criticized the situation and called on tennis officials to intervene. Woodbridge expressed his frustration, stating that players should not be allowed to take extended breaks during matches, as it disrupts the natural flow and can create unfair momentum shifts.
Twitter Erupts with Mixed Reactions
Fans took to the popular social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), to voice their opinions. While some accused Medvedev of poor gamesmanship and even suggested match-fixing, others defended his actions, stating that he was well within his rights to take the break.
Medvedev Admits Struggle with Conditions
After the match, Medvedev openly acknowledged his difficulties in dealing with the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring past 90 degrees. He admitted that the match was brutal and the conditions were tough and humid. However, he expressed satisfaction with his performance and is hopeful to maintain the same level of play in the future matches.
