Daniil Medvedev played another bizarre match. This time, he lost against Tallon Griekspoor at the 2025 Dubai Championships and accused the umpire of having “double standards.”
Medvedev is still ranked sixth on the ATP Tour, but he’s been playing far below his best level in recent months. He lost in the second round at the Australian Open and also in his second match in Rotterdam.
But it hasn’t been only about his tennis. The Russian player seems to be struggling mentally as well, often having outbursts and throwing tantrums despite previously saying he would like to get rid of that part of his game.
The latest of those came in his quarter-final match at the ATP 500 event in Dubai. Medvedev won his first two matches, and his quarter-final opponent was Tallon Griekspoor.
The Dutch player recorded two three-set wins over Roman Safiullin and Ugo Humbert. He even saved three match points against Safiullin.
Griekspoor was behind against Medvedev as well. The Russian player played very well in the first set, winning 12 points in a row at one point and taking the first set 6-2.
Things were going well for Medvedev also in the second set. He was up by a break, leading 3-1. Although he then lost the one-break advantage, the former ATP World No. 1 player got to two match points at 5-4.
Unable to capitalize on those, Medvedev had two more chances to break at 6-5. Once again, he couldn’t convert, leading to a tie-break. The 29-year-old started strongly, leading 4-1, but ultimately lost it 7-9.
Medvedev was furious after losing the tie-break, receiving a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct from umpire Adel Nour. The exact reason for the warning was unclear, but Medvedev’s reaction made it evident he was displeased.
“You’re very soft huh? Very soft. What is this, double standards against Russians?”
Nour did not take kindly to being accused of double standards and responded firmly.
“Don’t say something like this. Daniil, I’m very fair! I treat you all exactly the same.”
Although Medvedev managed to regroup for the third set, he was broken at a critical moment. He faced four match points down 5-6 and ultimately lost 6-2, 6-7(7), 5-7.
After the match, Medvedev refused to shake Nour’s hand and continued to voice his dissatisfaction towards the umpire.
