Former World No.1 accuses Daniil Medvedev of showing ‘immature’ behavior at the ATP Finals
Daniil Medvedev has been the biggest headline at this year's ATP Finals group stages for all the wrong reasons.
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Daniil Medvedev (via X)
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin has criticized Daniil Medvedev for his behavior on the court at the ATP Finals. The Belgian star described his actions as “immature” and unrelated to promoting the sport.
Medvedev was the main topic of conversation on the opening day of the ATP Finals. During his loss to Taylor Fritz, he displayed frustration, even using uncharacteristic returning stances.
We are in a competition that brings together the eight best players in the world and I clearly regret this kind of attitude…He manages things the way he wants to manage them but this lack of fighting spirit, this provocation towards the referee, besides the fact that he smashes his racket or microphones, we are still on ridiculous behavior, which is not very mature in such an important competition, it is still mind-boggling (…). In such a major tournament, I will not give up, I find that it is a somewhat deplorable attitude and that does not put high-level tennis forward, in my opinion.
Justine Henin said on Eurosport
After the match, Medvedev explained that his actions were solely about his own performance. The Russian admitted he was deeply disappointed with his level against Fritz and felt uncertain about his chances in the tournament.
Daniil Medvedev donne-t-il une bonne image du tennis ? ?
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) November 14, 2024
C'est le débat de la semaine dans Retour Gagnant, notre émission digitale 100% tennis ? pic.twitter.com/x2FeWnVtFF
Medvedev’s performance improved in his next match against Alex de Minaur, defeating the Australian in straight sets to keep his semifinal hopes alive. However, he drew further attention by adding another antic, cupping his ears after the win.
Daniil Medvedev calls for a change in schedule in 2025
Daniil Medvedev has recently shared his thoughts on the intense tennis schedule, suggesting he may have found a solution. He believes the season should end in October for most players, allowing more rest time. Although no changes are confirmed, Medvedev thinks this idea could help reduce burnout and injuries.
About the schedule? I got this question not long ago. I think I found a good answer from my side. This year I only tried to play big tournaments. I think I only played three 500s. One preparation for Wimbledon. One Dubai, which was some time after Australian Open. Ones was Beijing, in the Shanghai swing, so it’s a good tournament to play. I rule out nothing. I wouldn’t like to go as far as a strike because playing is what I like to do. But something has to happen.
Daniil Medvedev said in the ATP Finals press conference
Medvedev, a former world No. 1, has already adjusted his own calendar by skipping smaller tournaments to manage his workload. His proposal echoes Rafael Nadal’s call back in 2011 for an “evolution” of the tennis schedule, which many players still feel is overcrowded.
The debate around the schedule has grown louder, with top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Iga Swiatek expressing similar concerns. Alcaraz joked that the schedule is “going to kill us,” while Zverev criticized the tour for focusing too much on “the money.”
The push for change highlights how players are feeling the toll of back-to-back tournaments. Medvedev’s idea of an October season end could be a step toward a healthier approach to the sport.
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Fahad Hamid
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