A notable turn of events unfolded at the China Open semifinals as chair umpire Adel Nour issued a “Best Efforts” code violation against Daniil Medvedev. Following a thorough examination, the ATP’s extraordinary reversal underscores the governing body’s commitment to fair play and accurate officiating.
The Semifinal Drama Between Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien at the China Open
Medvedev faced American teenager Tien in their China Open semifinal clash on September 30, marking their second career meeting. The match began well for Medvedev as he claimed the opening set 7-5, breaking Tien in the 12th game after the American had started strongly with an early 3-0 lead.
The second set saw wild swings in momentum. Medvedev jumped ahead 3-0 with an early break, but Tien fought back impressively. After trading breaks, Tien served out the set 7-5.
During the match, Medvedev received a medical timeout after losing the second set as his physical condition deteriorated. As the decisive third set began, the Russian’s movement became clearly compromised. Due to the cramps, he was limping between points and struggling to push off on serve.
Controversy arose when the Egyptian chair umpire Nour issued Medvedev a “Best Efforts” code violation during the second game of the third set, when Medvedev remained stationary as Tien served. The Russian immediately protested the decision, calling for supervisor Roland Herfel and engaging in a heated exchange with the umpire.
Medvedev ultimately retired from the match two games later at 4-0 down in the third set, giving Tien a final score of 5-7, 7-5, 4-0. The 29-year-old hobbled off the court, leaving the Beijing crowd shocked by the dramatic scenes.
The ATP later issued an official statement reversing the umpire’s decision. “Upon reviewing the incident, the ATP Officiating has determined that the ‘Best Efforts’ code violation was issued in error,” the statement read. “This was communicated to Medvedev and his team following the match, and no fine will be imposed.”
Statement sent to The Athletic: ‘Upon reviewing the incident, the ATP Officiating has determined that the “Best Efforts” code violation was issued in error. This was communicated to Medvedev + his team following the match, and no fine will be imposed.’
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) September 30, 2025
Tien advanced to his first ATP Tour singles final, where he will face top seed Jannik Sinner. The 19-year-old Californian became the second-youngest finalist in the history of the China Open behind Rafael Nadal. Sinner reached his third consecutive China Open final by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 earlier that day.
Following this decision, fans voiced their feelings on social media. One fan defended Medvedev while calling out the match officials. They wrote, “I don’t understand this. Why do you guys keep provoking Medvedev. That was also very unsportsmanship from Tien. Why do you serve knowing he’s limping.”
I don’t understand this. Why do you guys keep provoking Medvedev. That was also very unsportsmanship from Tien. Why do you serve knowing he’s limping.
— Tiago (@tiago_sebago) September 30, 2025
Another X user called the umpire’s decision “ridiculous,” writing, “not even a fan but that was such a ridiculous call.”
not even a fan but that was such a ridiculous call https://t.co/kTz29hzrbz
— shari🔻 (@lilpoutsxx) September 30, 2025
One fan noted Medvedev getting ‘best effort’ despite his physical condition during the match. They wrote, “Imagine giving a warning to a player with cramps, because it’s not his best effort, just imagine? Well no need to because it happened today in Daniil Medvedev match. When you just try to fight through the pain and hope the cramps will fade, you get a warning. No empathy….”
Imagine giving a warning to a player with cramps, because it’s not his best effort, just imagine? Well no need to because it happened today in Daniil Medvedev match. When you just try to fight through the pain and hope the cramps will fade, you get a warning. No empathy…. pic.twitter.com/SoCImJ4doc
— Memevedev (@memevedev) September 30, 2025
Medvedev had been performing well throughout the tournament, losing just one set in the entire run before his physical breakdown. He reached the semifinals after defeating second seed Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. However, the tournament represented another disappointing result in what has been a difficult 2025 season for the former world No. 1.
