The Russian missed a return to the top of the ATP rankings
Daniil Medvedev struggled with fatigue and appeared to criticize the tennis balls used when the Russian fell to defending champion Hubert Hurkacz in the Miami Open quarter-finals, later making an unusual analogy to describe his physical condition .
Knowing that a run to the semi-finals would see him once again overtake Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings, top seed Medvedev complained of dizziness and cramps in a 6-7 (7-9) loss 3-6 Thursday.
Medvedev looked uncomfortable for much of the match in the sweltering Florida humidity, taking a medical timeout in the second set and then leaning over and clutching his left knee.
During a change, Medvedev turned to the camera and appeared to criticize the balls, call their ” garbage “ and advising observers not to buy them.
“Throughout the game, I didn’t feel at my best. But, you know, sometimes it happens, ” Medvedev said in his post-match comments, ATP reported.
“I don’t know the real reason. Maybe the heat. But I felt great, like, dizzy, tired, and there was this long game where I couldn’t serve anymore.
“Then, in the locker room, I had a lot of cramps, so physically it was not easy. But at the same time, it’s part of the game.”
In a typically colorful turn of phrase, the Russian said the cramps he endured after the game left him feeling “like a fish on the sofa” – a comment quickly doubled the “the quote of the year” by some sports experts.
Medvedev was unable to capitalize on Djokovic’s absence from so-called ‘Sunshine Swing’ events in the United States this month, suffering a shock third-round exit in Indian Wells ahead of his struggles against the number World 10 Hurkacz in Miami.
Djokovic will retain the world number one spot in Monday’s rankings, just 10 points ahead of Medvedev, after being passed by the Russian last month when he became the first new name to achieve the feat in 18 years. apart from Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer. and Andy Murray.
Djokovic was forced to miss both Masters events in the United States this month because his unvaccinated status prevented him from entering the country.
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Medvedev was a philosopher even though he failed to regain the top spot.
“For me, it was more important to win the game itself than to become No. 1 by winning the game,” said the 26-year-old.
“I saw it more as a bonus. So I don’t feel like I’m tight or anything because of that. To be honest, I played a lot of games where I was under pressure, different [types], and it’s not like anything new happened today, like walking out of court and feeling completely squeezed or anything like that. So I don’t think the nerfs were part of that…
“I’m in the right direction, so that’s good” added the US Open champion.
Both Medvedev and Djokovic are listed as lining up for the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters which kicks off on April 9, despite the event being played on its less favored clay surface.
Beyond that there will be the French Open at the end of May, although Medvedev’s place at Wimbledon at the next Grand Slam has been questioned after UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said any Russian athlete hoping to compete should sign a form denouncing any connection with the president. Vladimir Putin because of the crisis in Ukraine.
Medvedev did not speak out directly on the conflict but made numerous calls for peace. Russian and Belarusian players are already banned from displaying national symbols at ATP and WTA events.
READ MORE: Medvedev reacts to Wimbledon ban threat for ‘pro-Putin’ stars
In Miami, Medvedev conqueror Hurkacz will continue his title defense with a semi-final against Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz, having defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in their round of 16.
