Daniil Medvedev faces crowd backlash after Paris Masters defeat, whereas Novak Djokovic sails through
Daniil Medvedev suffers a stunning second round defeat at the Paris Masters, losing in three sets to Grigor Dimitrov, while Novak Djokovic smoothly advances Shocking turn of events after Carlos Alcaraz's unexpected exit
Carlos Alcaraz's unexpected elimination on Tuesday was followed by another surprising second-round defeat at the Paris Masters for world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev. The Bulgarian player, Grigor Dimitrov, emerged victorious in a three-set match against Medvedev on Wednesday.
In his first tournament match after receiving a first-round bye, the reigning 2021 US Open champion fought valiantly, saving six match points. However, he ultimately succumbed to the pressure in a tense encounter, frequently disrupted by a volatile crowd that seemed to unsettle the Russian player.
After winning the first set 6-3, Dimitrov found himself tied at 5-5 in the second set when Medvedev vented his frustration by throwing his racket. In response to this outburst, the crowd in Paris booed, a reaction that clearly displeased the 27-year-old player.
Dimitrov plays a forehand during his win against Medvedev.
Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Refusing to play until the booing ceased, Medvedev, who is known for his antagonistic on-court demeanor, made his way back to his bench. This led to a confrontation with umpire Renaud Lichtenstein, as well as the displeased crowd. Eventually, he received a code violation for delaying the match and was compelled to continue serving.
Medvedev expressed his initial hesitation upon receiving the code, questioning whether he wanted to be disqualified and end the match on that particular note. Nevertheless, he elected to proceed and continue playing. Despite the interruption, Medvedev successfully equalized the situation, ultimately emerging victorious in the tie-break of the second set, thus forcing the match to proceed to a pivotal final set.
Grigor Dimitrov, ranked 17th in the world, struggled to secure a win against Medvedev, resulting in yet another tie-break. Dimitrov missed six chances to defeat his opponent, but at the seventh opportunity, the 32-year-old clinched a victory of 6-3 6-7 7-6. He advanced to the round-of-32 where he is set to face Alexander Bublik. As Medvedev exited the court, he received jeers from the crowd and allegedly gestured with his middle finger towards them, although he later denied this action.
"I've just examined my nails, like so," he informed the reporters after the match. "Honestly, it's merely that—nothing more. Why would I subject this incredible crowd in Paris-Bercy to that?"
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time winner of grand slam singles titles, effortlessly advanced to the third round with a straightforward victory over Tomáš Martín Etcheverry, triumphing 6-3 6-2.
Djokovic, who hold the record for the most Masters 1000 tournament wins, celebrates after the match.
Novak Djokovic, who had been inactive since his participation in the Davis Cup for Serbia back in September, exhibited no traces of rustiness while competing against the Argentine. This performance indicates a growing likelihood that Djokovic will conclude the year as the world's top-ranked tennis player.
With Medvedev and Alcaraz both suffering earlier-than-planned exits, Djokovics path to a 40th Masters title may have just gotten slightly easier.
