Daniil Medvedev was dumped out of the China Open by Learner Tien, with the Russian retiring while trailing 4-0 in the deciding set.
It was the second successive match that Tien has been handed the win after Lorenzo Musetti retired from his quarterfinal match yesterday.
Medvedev has been critical of his game in recent months, with three of the four Grand Slams ending in first-round defeats this year.
However, he’s been in good form of late, and Medvedev praised his new coaching team after beating Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal yesterday.
As Medvedev departed the tournament, the match was once again marred by another rant by the player at the umpire.
Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty ImagesDaniil Medvedev has argument with the umpire during China Open defeat
With Medvedev struggling with injury, he decided to take some of his frustration out on the umpire.
Medvedev was overheard arguing the toss with the umpire after being handed a code violation for not trying his best, despite leaving the court for a prolonged period after the second set.
That prompted him into a bit of a tirade at the officials, and Medvedev wasn’t happy.
He was overheard saying: “You would prefer I retire? Just say that I can retire. It’s good, at least I can talk to you for 10 minutes now.
“I am giving my best efforts. I am telling you I am giving my best effort. Who are you to decide for me?
“I want to do something bad, but I’m not allowed to because I am disqualified.
“Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me? I didn’t say one word. After the US Open, I am trying to be good. And this guy is doing that, and I’m supposed to act good? Why is he trying to intimidate me? What is your problem?”
Daniil Medvedev is in pain and cramping in his match against Learner Tien in Beijing and the umpire gives him a code violation for lack of effort.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/nbjM0KNDXg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 30, 2025
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Miles Maclagan defends Daniil Medvedev
Given his chequered history with arguing the toss with umpires, many will believe this is merely a case of Medvedev being Medvedev.
However, co-commentator Maclagan defended Medvedev over this incident, believing a mistake had been made by the umpire in issuing the code violation.
He said on Sky Sports Tennis: “I think the umpire has made a mistake there, his best efforts are what they are right now, and it’s worked against Learner Tien, certainly with Medvedev being able to walk out looking far healthier than he was.”
Regardless of the cramping situation, it’s another defeat for Medvedev in a disappointing fashion.
He was winning by a set and 5-3 before succumbing to defeat, and this is another blemish on Medvedev’s largely miserable 2025 campaign.