Written by Richard Pagliaro | @Itenisi_Manje | Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Photo credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty
The top seat is a hot seat if Daniel Medvedev it’s playing.
Chair umpires tend to take the heat from Medvedev at times.
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When he won 7-6(3), 6-3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in Shanghai today, Medvedev had a tiff with co-chairman Fergus Murphy as did his Greek opponent, who was hit with a time violation.
Afterwards, Medvedev thought about the pros and cons of arguing with the referee.
“I mean, I have a lot of arguments with the referee,” Medvedev told the media in Shanghai. “So I was waiting, and I knew that, no, I have to stay focused on myself, because sometimes it’s not easy after, like, a break to gather yourself.
“Because what actually happens when you argue with the referee, sometimes it affects you, and not in a good way. I think that’s what happened.”
While Medvedev’s argument paled in comparison to F Frances Tiafoe’s bombardment of the referee after losing to Roman Safiullin in Shanghai on Tuesday, the 2021 US Open champion is working on his love of the art of brawling.
Medvedev considers his arguments in court like fire. If you can control the intensity of the emotion, the conflict can ignite a competitive inferno. Otherwise, it can destroy you and burn you apart.
“Sometimes it gives you more pressure, like, Oh, my God, everyone is against me,” Medvedev said. “So I knew I needed to stay strong, and I was able to work well and get a break, so, yeah, I’m very happy with my level.”
Drama is being made @DaniilMedwed with a wonderful previous pass to break 🔥#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/DQWMN28w3e
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 9, 2024
How will Medvedev control his emotions against world number 1 Jannik Sinner in a rematch of the Shanghai quarterfinal of the Australian Open?
The former No. 1 says he plans to bring fire and fight to the current world No. 1.
“With Sinner, yes, I mean, we have played four times this year,” said Medvedev. “I think one was too easy for him. The other three were tough, I played well in some of them.
“I will bring the fight, I will prepare myself technically, mentally, physically. It will be a tough match, so I hope my body feels good, and I am ready, yes, to bring the fight and Do it.”
