Daniil Medvedev Claims Umpire Displays ‘Double Standards Towards Russians’

Daniil Medvedev has accused the chair umpire of exhibiting “double standards against Russians” following a code violation during his defeat to Tallon Griekspoor in Dubai.

Griekspoor saved four match points before triumphing over the top-seed Medvedev with scores of 2-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5, securing his place in the semi-finals. Medvedev’s on-court outbursts also contributed to the win for the Dutch player, ranked No. 47 in the world.

The situation escalated soon after Medvedev surrendered the second set, having squandered four match points.

He was handed a code violation for unsportsmanlike behaviour, which led to a verbal confrontation.

Medvedev: “Why did you issue me a warning?”

Adel Nour, chair umpire: “You know what you said to me.”

Medvedev: “You’re overly sensitive. What’s this about? Double standards against Russians?”

The chair umpire responded, “Don’t say things like that, Daniil. I treat all players the same.”

After losing the deciding set, Medvedev smashed his racquet and walked off the court without shaking the umpire’s hand.

In the post-match interview, he was questioned about his exchange with the chair umpire.

“We spoke after the match. You know how it is on the court; sometimes I go a bit too far,” Medvedev admitted.

“Nevertheless, I’m not going to dwell too much on it. I was frustrated with one of his calls.

“These things happen, but we had a chat after the match. We managed to settle things, even if nothing was particularly heated.

“I have a lot of respect for him. Maybe I did push it a bit too far. I don’t believe I said anything particularly egregious, but perhaps I overstepped. I received a warning, and that’s that.”

Griekspoor had previously avoided elimination in the first round against Roman Safiullin by saving three match points. He also ousted defending champion Ugo Humbert on Wednesday.

“This is the best win of my career by ranking,” Griekspoor shared after his quarter-final success against the No. 6 seed. “I’m thrilled with this victory; it means a great deal to me.

“When I won the second set, I was actually thinking, ‘How am I still in this tournament?’ I should probably have been heading to Indian Wells already. Sometimes you just need a bit of luck.”

Griekspoor will face fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas next for a chance at the title. Tsitsipas defeated Matteo Berrettini 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4 to advance.

Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime secured a win over 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic, coming away with a scoreline of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, setting up a semi-final clash with qualifier Quentin Halys, who defeated Luca Nardi 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5).