"They want to be like F1 & football, but you can't ask players to stay calm like robots": Daniil Medvedev lambasts ATP over Denis Shapovalov’s default

Daniil Medvedev has expressed unhappiness with the ATP over Denis Shapovalov's controversial default at the 2024 Mubadala Citi DC Open last week. The Canadian was defaulted in the second set during his quarterfinal against Ben Shelton after he said something to a spectator in the stands.

Shapovalov was initially stripped of his entire prize money and points he had earned during the week, a decision that was reversed after the player appealed against it.

Medvedev, who is currently competing at the 2024 National Bank Open, was recently asked to comment on the incident while talking to the media. The Russian firmly said Shapovalov shouldn't have been disqualified. He added that despite positives, the ATP still seems to lack clarity.

“I don't think Denis should have been disqualified," the World No. 5 said (via express.co.uk). “From what you hear on TV, he deserved a warning and maybe a fine after the match, but that's it. So I was really very surprised. I think the ATP is doing some good things and some not so good things at the moment, but I have the impression that they don't know where they are going."

Daniil Medvedev further opined that in cases such as Shapovalov's, the ATP shouldn't expect players to stay calm if the spectators are out of line.

“They want to be like Formula 1 and football. But in this case, you can't ask players to stay calm like robots while around them there is a circus and a show. Things need to be clearer for the players and the spectators,” he added.

Denis Shapovalov's prize money and points were reinstated, though he still had to pay a fine of $36,400. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the fans for staying by his side but was still unhappy with the decision of the hefty fine.

Daniil Medvedev's North American hardcourt swing is off to a disappointing start

Daniil Medvedev (Image Source: Getty)

Daniil Medvedev kicked off his campaign at the 2024 National Bank Open as the third seed due to which he received a bye in the opening round.

He took on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and the unseeded Spaniard caused a huge upset as he defeated Medvedev 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 in a topsy-turvy thriller that lasted an hour and 55 minutes.

However, Daniil Medvedev still has a task in Canada. The Russian teamed up with compatriot Roman Safiullin and the duo has made it to the quarterfinals where they await Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram on Saturday, August 10.