Daniil Medvedev blames himself after confronting ATP Finals crowd in fit of rage
Daniil Medvedev said he was to blame for his outburst at the ATP Finals on Saturday after throwing his racket and pointing at fans in the crowd, shushing them. The world No 3 lost to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final, 6-3 6-7(4) 6-1. Medvedev later admitted that he “lost [his] head” after getting broken in the third set and refused to blame the crowd, instead thanking them for their support over the week.
Medvedev’s 2023 season came to an end as he suffered defeat in the semi-final of the ATP Finals. A former champion at the tournament, he came back from a set down to force a decider but couldn’t get past home favourite Sinner, who dropped just one game as he stormed through the final set.
The world No 3 grew visibly frustrated after getting broken in his opening service game in the third set and threw his racket into the sideboard before accosting the crowd, pointing at some fans and gesturing at them to come here before shushing them. He was met with jeers and whistles but Medvedev has now clarified that he had no one to blame but himself for his moment of rage.
“To be honest, nothing,” the 27-year-old replied when asked what happened with the spectator he pointed at. “I lost my head a little bit more because I lost a break.” Medvedev also understood that the fans would be backing their man and thanked them for their behaviour throughout the tournament.
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He continued: “I will be honest, the crowd I think was very nice here in Turin throughout the week. Again, as I said before the match, it’s normal that they support Sinner. But when I was doing some good shots, I felt a lot of – it’s not support, but a lot of applauses, which was very nice.
“I think in general it was fine. I felt good energy on the court. That’s why after the match you could see me thanking the crowd.” Going back to the moment he confronted the crowd, Medvedev added: “Yeah, so I lost my head a little bit.
“Double-fault on the break point. For sure they cheer a little bit the double-fault, but that is normal. He got the break, so I lost it. That was kind of the only game where I lost my head. Not much to talk about.”
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While Medvedev heads into the off-season, Sinner will contest the biggest final of his career on Sunday. The Italian now has a 3-6 record against Medvedev, winning their last three matches which have all come within the last two months. Addressing Sinner’s current form, the world No 3 said: “Very impressed, to be honest.
“He’s playing very good now. I mean, even today he doesn’t miss much. He can run well. If you give him easy ball, you feel like he moves you over the court. He can volley well. Serve has improved a lot.”
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