Daniil Medvedev has agreed that the Indian Wells controversy against Jack Draper wasn’t his finest moment. The Russian player has, however, dismissed “cheating” accusations amid backlash from the tennis community.
In his press conference, Medvedev attempted to rationalize his call for hindrance against the defending champion while also admitting his own mistake.
Jack Draper Was Slapped With a Hindrance Call After Daniil Medvedev’s Indian Wells Confrontation
Draper and Medvedev faced off in the Indian Wells quarterfinal on Thursday, March 12. The Brit, who was defending his title, entered the match after a grueling three-setter against five-time champion Novak Djokovic the day before. Medvedev, meanwhile, secured an easy 6-2, 6-4 win against Alex Michelsen to reach the final eight.
Draper, who recently returned to competition after a prolonged injury layoff, appeared weary throughout the contest. After losing the opening set 6-1, the Brit went neck and neck against the two-time finalist up until the controversial 11th game in the second set. At 5-5 (0-15), Draper made a subtle gesture, seemingly reacting to a deep forehand by Medvedev that brushed the line. The point continued, with the Russian ultimately losing the rally on a backhand unforced error. He, however, confronted the umpire, Aurélie Tourte, about Draper’s gesture.
In his press conference, Medvedev admitted that he was wrong in delaying his hindrance challenge. “Now I can actually even talk more, because I have more info. I think I should have done it the moment it happened. I should not have waited until the end of the point, and then it would be a bit more, probably available.”
Despite the delay, Tourte granted Medvedev a VAR opportunity that she concluded in his favor, awarding a 0-30 advantage instead of a 15-15 score. The former World No. 1 eventually secured a decisive break and went on to win the contest 6-1, 7-5.
MORE: Novak Djokovic Embroiled in Argument Over Arthur Rinderknech’s Hindrance at Indian Wells
While elaborating on the controversy, he claimed that his movement may have been compromised by his opponent’s reaction. “If you look at my first forehand after this happens, I could’ve gone for more. I was kind of tiny bit distracted. So I said to the umpire, like, What should I do? Should I do it next time straightaway? And she goes, like, If you want, you can video review.”
Daniil Medvedev on Jack Draper Incident: ‘I Don’t Feel Like I Cheated’
Medvedev, who faced backlash for his actions from the tennis community, placed the responsibility of the outcome completely on the chair umpire and defended himself while being questioned about “morality.”
“Whatever she decides, she decides, and she decided that it’s a point for me. So I take it,” he said, adding, “If she thinks it’s enough, well, then, it’s Love-30, I’m sorry, and that’s what happened.”
“Was I distracted big time? No. Do I feel good about it? Not really. But I also don’t feel like I cheated or something. So I got a bit distracted. I let it go, I let the referee decide. I had a lot of calls against me in my life, and I usually don’t handle them well. To get one on my side, I guess feels good as well,” the player continued.
He now faces two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinal. This marks their third meeting at the tournament after the finals in 2023 and 2024.
