WATCH: why Daniil Medvedev showed the middle finger
by LORENZO CIOTTI
During the battle that lasted three hours iat the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy between Daniil Medvedev and Grigor Dimitrov, the Russian champion provided entertainment and controversy, in a match that he ultimately lost in the tie-break of the third set, despite having managed to cancel 6 matches point.
Some episodes of the match immediately went viral on the web, including the Moscow native's argument with the French crowd and the Bulgarian at 5-5 in the second set. The world number 3 was annoyed by the booing of the fans in the stands, threatening the referee not to continue playing and inviting the spectators to be quiet.
The scene naturally further inflamed the crowd, who then targeted the Russian athlete until the end of the challenge.
Medvedev vs the Paris crowd again 😭 pic.twitter.com/GG2a8Gsfmw — zah pasta (@zahirahmdzaman) November 1, 2023
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!
@DaniilMedwed saves match point with this *ridiculous* exchange! pic.twitter.com/dOcGhNbmxb — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 1, 2023
Why Daniil Medvedev showed the middle finger
In the third set another masterpiece: Daniil, frustrated and down a break, destroys his racket and decides to play the next point anyway before changing it.
However, Medvedev returned and prevented Dimitrov six times from ending the match.
Among the canceled match points, a 47-shot exchange ultimately won by Medvedev which certainly represents one of the best points of the fight and probably of the day. Before leaving the court, Medvedev then showed the middle finger to the Parisian crowd who continued to target him.
An bad and grotesque scene which ended an unforgettable match due to the spectacle offered by the two players. Andy Murray agreed, sharing a Tweet at the end of the match to comment on what happened: "Medvedev vs Dimitrov is one of the best fights to watch on tour for me.
Big difference in shots, style and personality.
Both great athletes who move well on the court."
Did Medvedev just give the Parisian crowd the middle finger on the way out, after pretending to check his nails? 😭 pic.twitter.com/E2EkWkDrYZ — Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 1, 2023
Medvedev vs Dimitrov is one the best match ups to watch on tour for me 😍 great contrast in strokes, style and personality….
Both great athletes and top movers ❤️ — Andy Murray (@andy_murray) November 1, 2023