Looking for a Smooth Third-Round Entry at Wimbledon, Daniil Medvedev Sparks Controversy With a Bizarre Request to the Chair Umpire

The rains have not been kind to the Wimbledon organizers this season. Since day 1, the London weather has been wreaking havoc on the schedule. Several matches have been delayed or suspended due to the unreliable weather.

One of the matches that was recently delayed was between Daniil Medvedev and Adrian Mannarino. However, the disruption of their match had had the element of Medvedev’s very real injury along with the worsening weather. But the eventual suspension did take place due to a humorous interaction between the chair umpire and the Russian. 

The Russian player, two-sets up, was in the midst of an intense battle with Adrian Mannarino in the third set when this happened. Let’s find out more.

Daniil Medvedev adds controversy with strange request to the umpire

As the Frenchman broke the Russian’s serve in the third set, Medvedev noticed the darkness approaching the stadium. With the third set tied at 4-4, Medvedev returned to his chair and immediately asked for his physiotherapist. He then told the chair umpire Richard Haigh, “It’s too dark to play.”

Medvedev, with a grin, then said, “I’m going to ask him to take a look here [points toward his inner thigh] so we should go (off the court).” However, the umpire did not seem convinced by the Russian.

He followed his comments with, “I hurt myself“. Feeling the skeptical gaze of the umpire, Medvedev asserted, “Yeah, of course it’s a real injury“. Medvedev had complained about the darkening weather a few times prior to this conversation. 

The umpire eventually poked and asked if Medvedev wanted to discuss his injury or the weather. The Russian then stated that it would depend on whether the match will be stopped. If there was no suspension, then he required his physician. 

Pondering over his statement, the umpire asked if he wanted the physiotherapist or not. In his turn, he replied, “You decide. For me, it’s real… Me? I hurt my adductor.”

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Eventually, the supervisor arrived on the scene. She stated that if both players felt it was too dark to play, the match would be postponed. Adrian, already putting on his warm-up clothes, agreed quickly, and the contest was stopped.

“Okay perfect, then I don’t need the physio,” Medvedev stated. Following his statements, the chair umpire and supervisor shared a hearty laugh. Medvedev clarified, “Because I’m going to go see him in the locker room.“

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