When Daniil Medvedev is on the court, things often get interesting. Be it his amazing performances or headline-grabbing controversies, the Russian star never fails to steal the limelight. However, on this occasion, he was at the receiving end of a massive blunder from the chair umpire Adel Nour at the China Open. Following this incident, the ATP issued an apology and dismissed any actions against Medvedev.

The former US Open champion was playing in the China Open semifinal against Learner Tien. However, toward the end of the match, he suffered from cramps and had to withdraw midway through the encounter. Just before his withdrawal, the controversy-creating incident took place, as Medvedev was handed a “best effort” code violation for not moving while returning Tien’s serve.

While the umpire thought that Medvedev had given up the match and didn’t try to win the point, the Russian star was, in fact, suffering from cramps, which limited his movement. However, the umpire thought that Medvedev gave up the point easily without trying. As a result, he handed a “best effort” code violation, which shocked one and all. Even as the umpire got it wrong, the ATP reviewed the incident and called it an error.

Subsequently, they released a statement accepting their fault and announced that there will be no further action on Medvedev. The statement read, “Upon reviewing the incident, the ATP Officiating has determined that the “Best Efforts” code violation was issued in error. This was communicated to Medvedev + his team following the match, and no fine will be imposed.”

Earlier, according to the ATP handbook, Medvedev was set to receive a fine of up to $40,000 for this violation, but the ATP cleared that it was an error in the violation and no further action would be taken against him. Meanwhile Medvedev, quite naturally, wasn’t happy with the chair umpire’s decision to hand him a code violation and lashed out at him during the match.

Daniil Medvedev argues with the chair umpire

The former World Number 1 was struggling with cramps and had to withdraw from the tournament midway. Though the umpire thought otherwise, Daniil Medvedev had a legitimate problem, and he didn’t hesitate in letting the chair umpire know his unfiltered thoughts on the decision.

He said to the umpire, “So, you prefer that I retire? 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? 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?”

At the US Open, he got into an argument with umpire Greg Allensworth during his first-round loss against Benjamin Bonzi. Bonzi was given another opportunity to serve by Allensworth after a photographer entered the court between his first and second serves at match point for the Russian. It seemingly hampered his flow, causing Medvedev to lash out and incite the audience before ultimately losing the match and smashing his racket. Though Medvedev was not at fault in Beijing, it looks like his reputation may have preceded him when the umpire handed out the code violation.

But with Daniil Medvedev struggling with his fitness, dark clouds loom over his participation at the Shanghai Masters. Can he make a strong comeback after an unexpected setback? Let us know your views in the comments below.