“After US Open I’m trying to be good”: Daniil Medvedev argues Beijing code violation

Daniil Medvedev’s China Open campaign ended in a semifinal retirement to Learner Tien, but not before the visibly compromised former world No. 1 argued a code violation for lack of effort.

🖥️📲THE MATCH IN 15 MINUTES: Learner Tien vs. Daniil Medvedev, Beijing SF

Fresh off an impressive victory over No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev, the eighth-seeded Medvedev won the first set against Tien in a rematch of their five-set Australian Open thriller. But much like in Melbourne, the American was finding his way back when Medvedev began to fade.

A point from falling behind 2-0 in the final set, Medvedev was issued a code violation for not giving his best effort from umpire Adel Nour, prompting Medvedev to appeal to supervisor Roland Herfel.

“You don’t talk now. I talk to him,” said Medvedev.

When Herfel sought confirmation of Nour’s ruling—which Nour explained stemmed from Medvedev’s lack of movement—Medvedev jumped in again.

“So, you prefer that I retire?” he asked. “Say to the cameras that you prefer that the guys are retiring.

“I’m giving my best effort, so why the hell is he giving me best effort? Who are you to decide for me? Who are you? What’s your name?”

The 29-year-old Medvedev was playing only his second tournament since a chaotic first-round defeat at the US Open, where he was fined $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during his loss to Benjamin Bonzi.

“I want to do something bad. I’m not allowed because I’m disqualified. Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me? I didn’t say one word. After US Open, I’m trying to be good and this guy is doing that? And I’m supposed to act good?”

Medvedev ultimately retired two games later for a final score of 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 to Tien, who is into his first ATP final against Jannik Sinner.