Medvedev penalized for racket destruction at Monte Carlo Masters

Former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev was penalized 6,000 euros ($7,000) for unsportsmanlike behavior after he smashed his racket seven times during a 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, as reported by the ATP Tour on Monday.

Currently ranked 10th, Medvedev received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct from the chair umpire for his actions early in the second set of Wednesday’s encounter.

This fine is relatively minor compared to the $76,000 and $42,500 fines he faced for similar outbursts at the Australian Open and US Open last year, respectively.

Medvedev, who had a first-round bye, had accumulated 45,520 euros ($50,000) in prize money from the Monte Carlo event.

The 30-year-old Russian was already facing difficulties when he hit a forehand into the net, losing his opening service game of the second set and falling behind 2-0. He then struck his racket near the baseline before picking it up and throwing it toward a tarp at the end of the court.

Continuing his frustration, Medvedev repeatedly lifted his racket and smashed it until it was damaged enough to fit through an opening in a courtside trash can, while the crowd responded with sarcastic cheers.

Medvedev, who claimed the US Open title in 2021, concluded the match in 49 minutes.

Source: espn.com