Daniil Medvedev speaks out after threatening to quit ATP Finals in furious outburst

Daniil Medvedev was docked a point after throwing his racket

Daniil Medvedev has addressed his huge meltdown after threatening to quit his ATP Finals match. The world No. 4 received multiple code violations and was docked a point after repeatedly throwing and smashing his racket while facing Taylor Fritz. He then told the umpire he was going to retire. After suffering a 6-4 6-3 defeat, Medvedev owned up to his "angry, frustrated" behaviour.

Medvedev is no stranger to some on-court theatrics but he took things too far in his opening round-robin match at the season-ending championships. The 28-year-old got a code violation for smashing his racket after hitting three consecutive double faults to lose the first set. And he imploded after going a break down in the second set when Fritz shanked the ball but managed to get it inside the court for a lob winner. The American apologised but it was too late - Medvedev lost his head, throwing his racket and receiving a point penalty. Asked what went through his head during his furious outburst, the former world No. 1 was brutally honest. "Unfortunately, nothing comes from my mind, and I expect nothing. I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone. Just with myself. Yeah, very frustrated," Medvedev explained.

Daniil Medvedev threatened to retire while speaking with the umpire

Just in Sinner compared to Murray as telling point made before £3.8m ATP Finals battle

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"I mean, tough break point. Shank, on the line. I was like, Whatever, I lost the match. I don't care. I mean, you have to finish the match. You cannot withdraw, no? I just finished the match." Although Medvedev claimed he couldn't withdraw, he had no problem threatening to quit the match while on court. During the changeover while trailing 2-5 in the second set, the Russian asked the umpire to give him an old ball. When the chair official said it wouldn't be possible, the former US Open champion tried to stop altogether. "I’m gonna retire. I’m gonna retire man," he ranted. "I’m gonna retire if you don’t give me a ball. I’m gonna retire right now. Just one old ball, can I have one old ball?" Thanks to the round-robin format of the ATP Finals, Medvedev hasn't been knocked out of the tournament despite losing. He still has to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and tournament debutant Alex de Minaur.

Click here to read article