Daniil Medvedev’s China Open semifinal clash with Learner Tien in Beijing unfolded as a display of the Russian’s resilience and volatility. Struggling visibly with leg cramps, Medvedev battled through two tight sets before retiring in the third set while trailing. However, there was a moment in the final set of the match that overshadowed Tien’s maiden final appearance and caught the attention of the entire world.
What Happened During the Dramatic Semifinal Match Between Daniil Medvedev and Learner Tien?
Medvedev began the semifinal dominantly, edging Tien 7-5 in the first set with precise groundstrokes and strategic serving. However, the American fought back, claiming the second set 7-5 as Medvedev’s movement became hampered by severe cramping in his hamstring midway through the second set.
This was the only time he lost a set in the entire tournament. During the changeovers, Medvedev applied kinesiology tape around his right knee and thigh, attempting to stem the pain.
During the second game of the third set, Tien served, but the Russian was unable to reach the ball due to his limited movement. The teenager won the point, but the umpire’s decision to give him a code violation stunned the Russian.
Chair umpire Adel Nour issued Medvedev a warning for not giving his best efforts on court. Furious, Medvedev stormed to Nour’s chair, demanding the match supervisor intervene. During the heated exchange, Medvedev wasn’t happy with the umpire and refused to talk to him.
As the umpire explained his thought process behind giving the code violation, Medvedev asked him to look at the camera and say that he wanted him to retire from the match.
“I’m giving my best, so who are you to decide that I’m not trying? Why is every referee in the world trying to intimidate me?” the Russian said.
Medvedev also brought up his controversial incident from the US Open when he had a heated exchange with chair umpire Greg Allensworth during his match against Benjamin Bonzi.
“I didn’t say one word. After the US Open, I’m trying to be good, and this guy is doing that. And I’m supposed to act good?” he added.
Cramping Daniil Medvedev gets a code violation for “not trying his best” by the ref. pic.twitter.com/VxJKKUppp2
— asud (@asud683385) September 30, 2025
After this tense argument, Medvedev resumed play but retired at 0-4 down, handing Tien passage to his first ATP final.
Medvedev engaged in a similar debate with Nour at the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships quarterfinals. The Russian was given a code violation after he misbehaved with Nour at one point during the match, leading to the “double standards against Russians” accusation from Medvedev.
Another Setback in Medvedev’s 2025 Season
The Russian started the China Open well, defeating Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4 in the first round. He then triumphed 6-3, 6-3 over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina before registering a 6-3, 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev to book his place in the semifinals, where his fitness issues halted him from reaching the final.
Medvedev has not enjoyed the best of seasons so far in 2025, winning 30 out of 50 matches, with his only final coming in Halle. He also reached the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
The Russian is next scheduled to compete in Shanghai Masters, a tournament he won in 2019. Last year, he reached the quarterfinals before losing 1-6, 4-6 to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
