“I’m so so scared,” Daniil Medvedev retires from Madrid Open due to injury as Jiri Lehecka advances to his first-ever major semifinal

The Russian's injury raises concern about his participation in Rome.

“I’m so so scared,” Daniil Medvedev retires from Madrid Open due to injury as Jiri Lehecka advances to his first-ever major semifinal

Daniil Medvedev (via IMAGO)

One of the most bizarre matches of the year came to a sad end today, as Daniil Medvedev was forced to retire in the Madrid Open quarterfinal after losing the first set 4-6, owing to a right adductor injury. This propels his opponent, Lehecka, into the biggest semifinal of his career.

Daniil Medvedev looked visibly uncomfortable towards the end of the first set, trying to jump in awkward ways while making shots to avoid landing on his right leg. After multiple quick checks from the physio during changeovers, the Russian decided to call it quits after the first set concluded. His conversations with the physio seemed to suggest that the injury could be very serious.

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I'm feeling a bit better. But I'm so, so scared
Daniil Medvedev told the physio

This is very concerning, given that the world number 4 will be compelled to defend his title in Rome next week, having won the sole clay court masters title of his career last year. Failing to do so may confirm a drop in the rankings for him, which is not an ideal situation with the French Open just around the corner.

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It is not all bad news, as Jiri Lehecka’s unbelievable run continues in Madrid, where he will now face Felix Auger Aliassime, who also made it past the quarterfinal with his opponent withdrawing due to injury.

Class act by Jiri Lehecka after Daniil Medvedev bowed out due to injury

Jiri Lehecka, a fierce competitor, would’ve thought he had a good chance at winning the quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev in Madrid, prior to the start of the match. However, he wouldn’t be thrilled with the way it actually happened.

Daniil Medvedev and Jiri Lehecka
Daniil Medvedev and Jiri Lehecka (Via X)

Medvedev was forced to retire before the start of the second set and Jiri Lehecka, instead of celebrating the milestone of reaching the biggest semi-final of his career by signing on the camera, just wrote “Get well soon Daniil”, showing a touch of class.

Lehecka now advances to the semi-finals. He will be taking on Felix Auger-Aliassime who got a walkover against Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.

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