Medvedev retires in Beijing semifinal as cramps, ATP clears violation

Daniil Medvedev retired from his China Open semifinal in Beijing on Tuesday after debilitating cramps and a heated exchange with the chair umpire over a code violation for failing to give his best effort. The 29 year old Russian left the court trailing 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 to 19 year old Learner Tien, who advanced to his first ATP Tour final.

Medvedev, visibly limited by cramps in the third set, was given a code violation by chair umpire Adel Nour after failing to move to return a routine serve. The warning prompted Medvedev to summon the tournament supervisor and confront the umpire on court, challenging the judgment and asking aloud, "Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me?" He also told Nour, "You prefer that I retire? Say to the guys and the cameras that you prefer I retire," and questioned who had the authority to decide whether he was still competing.

Umpire Adel Nour told the supervisor he believed Medvedev was not moving despite appearing unwell and that players must demonstrate they are competing. Medvedev briefly resumed play, winning the next point, but was able to take only two more games before shaking hands with Tien and the umpire and leaving the court.