Nick Kyrgios is known as the controversial player in the world of men’s tennis, but Russia’s Daniil Medvedev is giving him a run for his money.
The fifth seed was subjected to continuous booing throughout his four-set win over Spain’s Feliciano Lopez on Friday. Chants of ‘Lopez, Lopez, Lopez’ erupted among the crowd after they were less than impressed with Medevdev’s behaviour at times. It started when he was seen snatching a towel and throwing it away from a ball boy. Then later on in the match, the on-court screen showed Medvedev putting his middle up to either the umpire or crowd.
Medvedev is in a foul mood, throws a tantrum at the towel guy then throws his racket when the code violation is announced #USOpen pic.twitter.com/YyNtfbR0ry
— Superdrunkmark69 (@cjzer0) August 31, 2019
Subjected to heckling and chanting against him throughout his third round match, it would be Medvedev who would have the final laugh. During his on-court interview, he took a swipe at the crowd with a sarcastic speech. Living up to his status at that time of the on-court villain.
“Thank you all, guys, because your energy tonight give me the win. Because if you were not here, guys, I would probably lose the match because I was so tired. I was cramping yesterday. It was so tough on me to play. So I want all of you to know, when you sleep tonight, I won because of you. …” He said in a sarcastic tone.
“The only thing I can say that the energy you’re giving me right now, guys, I think it will be enough for my five next matches. I mean, the more you do this, the more I will win, for you guys.”
Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, his antics hasn’t gone without punishment. On Saturday it was confirmed that Medvedev has been issued with two fines amounting to $9000. The first was a $5000 penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Meanwhile, the second was $4000 for his finger salute. At the time Medvedev didn’t receive a warning as the umpire didn’t see him do it in person. Although it was broadcasted on the screen.
It is the third consecutive match where Medvedev has been fined at the US Open. During the first round, he was docked $7500 for verbal abuse. Then in the second round, he was hit with a $2500 fine for equipment abuse. Bringing his total for the tournament to $19,000. Not that Medvedev would be too concerned by it given that he has already made $280,000 by reaching the fourth round.
The biggest single fine to be issued so far in this year’s US Open belong to Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro. The former top 10 player was controversially hit with a $40,000 penalty for failing to provide her best effort during the first round where she retired. An allegation she disputes.
Medvedev will play German qualifier Dominik Koepfer on Sunday.
