The Shanghai Masters 2025 featured a highly anticipated showdown between Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien. Entering the match, both players were searching for form and momentum during a grueling Asian swing, and the contest was expected to deliver drama given their previous encounters, but the events that unfolded were beyond ordinary expectations.
What Happened During the Shanghai Masters Match Between Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien?
Medvedev finally broke his losing streak against Tien, securing his first win in their third meeting of the year during the round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters. The Russian clinched a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 7-6(6), 6-7(1), 6-4 after nearly three hours on court.
Both players displayed relentless determination, with Medvedev’s serve proving crucial in the decisive moments. The match was marked by high-quality rallies, including a 29-shot thriller in the first set tiebreak, a sign of the intensity both competitors brought to the court.
Medvedev’s frustrations, however, boiled over during a critical changeover, resulting in a rare on-court outburst. In a heated exchange with the chair umpire following a code violation, Medvedev unleashed a series of pointed remarks:
“All my life, I’ve been serving & waiting for Rafa for 55 seconds. And you give me a code violation on the first occasion. I played Rafa 5 times, there was not one time I was ready to serve and he was ready to return. He didn’t get one time violation.”
Medvedev to the umpire:
“All my life, I’ve been serving & waiting for Rafa for 55 seconds. And you give me a code violation on the first occasion. I played Rafa 5 times, there was not one time I was ready to serve and he was ready to return. He didn’t get one time violation.” pic.twitter.com/J88OklJi1y
— Corvath Draemir (@Archaicmind3000) October 8, 2025
He continued with a more emotional tirade: “All my life I’m the first one to serve first and wait on the returner every second of my fucking life so stupid you guys are crazy like you’re absolutely nuts.”
Despite the disruption, Medvedev managed to refocus on the contest, and close out the match. His defensive display and timely net approaches helped him secure victory as he overcame tense moments and physical fatigue down the stretch.
Medvedev’s Recent Clashes With Chair Umpires
Medvedev’s Shanghai Masters outburst is not an isolated incident in 2025. Earlier this season, he was at the center of controversy during his China Open semi-final clash with Tien. While struggling with cramps, Medvedev received a “best effort” code violation from umpire Adel Nour, prompting strong objections such as:
“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? Who are you to decide for me?”
MORE: ATP Overturns Code Violation and Penalty Issued to Daniil Medvedev by Chair Umpire in Beijing
Importantly, the Shanghai victory marks a reversal of fortunes for Medvedev against Tien. He had lost twice to the young American earlier in the year, once at the Australian Open in a five-set marathon and again in Beijing after retiring due to cramps. At last, he managed to overcome the Tien obstacle, pushing through a demanding contest.
With this win, Medvedev has advanced to the quarterfinals, where he will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur.