Daniil Medvedev battled cramps during his China Open semi-final against Learner Tien, refusing to retire despite severe physical difficulties. After losing a second-set lead, the 29-year-old Russian could barely walk entering the deciding set but continued playing until trailing 4-0, when he finally retired.
Code violation and confrontation with officials
During the match, Medvedev was given a warning by the umpire for “lack of effort” after Tien served an ace. Medvedev reacted strongly, staring at the umpire and calling the supervisor to intervene. Known for his fiery temperament, Medvedev argued and said, “You don’t talk now,” as he attempted to stop the discussion.
Medvedev speaks out against perceived intimidation
Medvedev openly criticized the officials, questioning their authority to judge his effort and accusing them of intimidation. He said, “You prefer that I retire? Say to the guys and the cameras that you prefer I retire. I’m giving my best effort so why the hell are you saying I’m not giving my best effort? Who are you to decide for me? Who are you? What’s your name?”
He continued, “Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me? I didn’t say one word. After US Open I’m trying to be good and this guy is doing that? I’m supposed to act good? Why are you trying to intimidate me? What’s your problem with me?”
Match ends with Tien advancing to his first ATP final
Medvedev managed to win the next point after the resumption but could only take two more games before conceding defeat. He shook hands with Tien at the net and also exchanged a brief gesture with the umpire, saying, “Thanks a lot,” before leaving the court.
Tien, the 19-year-old from California, will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in his first ATP Tour final. Earlier in the tournament, Medvedev had defeated second seed Alexander Zverev and was leading 3-0 and 5-3 in the second set of his semi-final before succumbing to cramps.
ATP Shanghai - Daniil Medvedev's projected path
Daniil Medvedev in 2025
Ranked world no.18, the Russian played his last match on the 30th of September when he was overcome by Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Shanghai (draw).
This season Daniil owns a 30-20 match record. Daniil Medvedev’s most significant accomplishment of this year was getting to the final in Halle.
ATP Beijing - Learner Tien's projected path
Tien in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.52, Learner achieved a composed 30-22 record in 2025. Learner is participating in Beijing where he bested the world no.21 Francisco Cerundolo 4-6 6-3 6-4, the world no.25 Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-2, the world no.9 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 3-0 ret. and the world no.18 Daniil Medvedev 5-7 7-5 4-0 ret..
Learner Tien will play the world no.2 Jannik Sinner in the final. They have never played each other until now in top events.
Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien faced off only twice. Their current record is 2-0 for Tien.