ATP Rotterdam: Medvedev complains about "not round enough" balls, eliminated by Humbert

The ATP 500 Rotterdam singles first round officially began, with 4th seed Medvedev enduring a tough three-set match before falling 6-7/6-3/3-6 to France's Humbert, experiencing a first-round departure.

Medvedev

At the start of the year during the Australian season, Medvedev achieved an impressive 8-1 record, winning the Brisbane singles title and delivering a thrilling five-set comeback at the Australian Open, though he ultimately lost in the fourth round to Lenar Chan. Overall, his performance was commendable. Head-to-head, Medvedev trails Humbert 1-3, with their last meeting at the 2024 Dubai semifinals, where Humbert won 7-5/6-3.

The key moment of this match came in the deciding set when Medvedev, trailing 1-3, angrily smashed his racket and loudly complained that the balls provided by the tournament were "not round enough," even kicking an advertising board by the court. However, after this outburst, the Russian failed to regain composure and form in time, eventually losing the final set 3-6 and exiting in the first round.

In recent years, Medvedev's emotional issues have frequently made headlines. At the 2025 Australian Open first round, he damaged a camera on the net post and was fined heavily; at the Rotterdam event the same year, referee Noel issued him a time violation warning, leading to a heated argument. Later that year at the Shanghai Masters, Medvedev suffered cramps causing slow movement. Incidentally, Noel was again the chair umpire in this match and penalized the Russian for "lack of effort," prompting Medvedev to request a supervisor and confront the officials. Afterwards, the ATP released a statement declaring the penalty a mistake.

Other match results

Munar defeated Cerretani 6-1/6-3

Norrie beat Agut 7-6(3)/6-1

O’Connell [Q] won 6-4/4-6/7-6(4) over Royer

Vander Schaulp triumphed 7-6(5)/6-3 against Pavlovic [Q]

(Written by: Sunny)