Daniil Medvedev slams ‘ridiculous’ issue at the Dubai Tennis Championships after his defeat as he calls for ATP rule change

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Daniil Medvedev’s 2025 struggles continued with a difficult week in Dubai.

The 2021 US Open champion hasn’t enjoyed the best start to his season, winning just eight of his 13 matches.

Looking to rediscover his form at last week’s Qatar Open, Medvedev retired against Felix Auger-Aliassime after just one set of their quarter-final clash.

Traveling east for the Dubai Tennis Championships, the Russian star was searching for a result that would truly kickstart his 2025 campaign.

Medvedev beat Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round, 6-4, 7-6, to book his place in the last 16, where he faced off against one of tennis’ biggest servers.

In their first career meeting, Medvedev took down Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, advancing to the quarter-finals.

It was there that his run in Dubai came to an end, as he took issue with the ATP Tour after the match, and called for a rule change.

Daniil Medvedev ‘doesn’t get’ ATP Tour rules as he slams ‘ridiculous’ slow balls in Dubai

Medvedev lost to Dutch star Tallon Griekspoor in a three-set thriller, 6-2, 6-7, 5-7, having failed to convert several match points.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, Medvedev explained what was ‘ridiculous’ about the last game of his quarter-final match.

“I think the last game we played it was ridiculous how slow the balls were,” he said.

“I do not understand how it’s not 5-7, ball change on the ATP Tour, I don’t get it.

“The balls when they fly through the air slower, gets an advantage to the guys that volley, because they have more time to react, to adapt to the shot that is going to them when they have more time.

“That’s a big disadvantage but ATP doesn’t seem to care.”

Medvedev has complained about tennis balls several times recently, memorably doing so after his defeat to Taylor Fritz at the 2024 ATP Finals.

“The balls make that everyone can do it now [rally], so not at all surprised,” he said.

“I feel zero pleasure of being on the court, so no surprise at all about the match today.”

After his defeat to Griekspoor, Medvedev looked ahead to the rest of the 2025 season, as he suggested his form would turn around before too long.

“I didn’t really get tight or anything, I played the shots at the good moments, he made it happen for him today which is very unfortunate,” he said.

“I feel like this year I can’t remember one match where I should’ve lost and I won the match, a little bit like, these matches happen.

“But I do have probably three where I could’ve won but it didn’t turn my way, but it’s ok, the year is long and there are going to be matches that are going to turn my way.”

Daniil Medvedev could fall out of the world’s top ten after the ‘Sunshine Double’ Masters 1000 events

Medvedev will certainly be hoping his luck soon turns as he gets set to defend some serious points in March.

In 2024, Medvedev reached the final of Indian Wells, before losing in the Miami Open semi-finals, accumulating 1,050 points.

Defending more points than the majority of his top-ten rivals, Medvedev is forecasted to drop out of the ATP top ten after the 2025 Miami Open.

The 29-year-old will need to produce some strong performances in the United States if he wants to remain ranked inside the top ten as he is currently forecasted to drop as low as 11th.

Medvedev will return to the court at the Indian Wells tournament looking to defend his finalist points on March 3.