Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic faced one another for the first time in three years earlier this week, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion emerging victorious.
However, the eventual method of his victory was totally unprecedented, as the Russian was actually defaulted when already just three points from losing.
Frustrated as he lost a point, he foolishly slapped the ball upwards towards the back wall. The harsh upward angle actually saw it creep into the stands though, seemingly striking a supporter in the face.
The umpire was left with no other decision but to disqualify him, bringing this epic showdown to an abrupt and unnatural conclusion.
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Medvedev apologised afterwards for his actions, to the fan and Novak Djokovic.
Now, speaking ahead of his return to action in Shanghai, he has cast his eye over that match, instead focusing on the level displayed rather than the controversy.
Daniil Medvedev rates Novak Djokovic’s level during their recent match
Discussing the quality of the match, Daniil Medvedev used this opportunity to praise the 39-year-old for once again summoning his very best tennis, against all odds.
He admitted: “100% I played really, really well, and the match against Novak, I felt like, was tremendous level, from him actually, even more unbelievable, was unreal level from him. It was tough to play, but was fun.
“But yeah, definitely enjoying my level of tennis and trying to keep it up.”
Asked if he was at all surprised by Djokovic’s level, given his struggles throughout the year before his China Open run, Medvedev added: “In a way, because, you know, we played a lot of matches through the years, and, like, every other tennis player, some were worse, and some were better, both from him and from me.
“And to be honest, I felt like that was, you know, I’m not gonna say the best he can play, but was definitely not far from it. And I played some big matches again.”
“But on the court, I’m for sure not a chill guy, and that’s part of him I like.”
Daniil Medvedev must perform at the Shanghai Masters after China Open disqualification
Disqualification from a tournament comes with some rather strict punishments, which Medvedev will know better than most, having learnt the hard way.
He saw all of his prize money revoked, and perhaps more importantly, all of his ranking points for that week in Beijing too.
Whilst he remains inside the top eight in the Race to the ATP Finals, losing those crucial points now puts him within touching distance of a handful of his peers.
The Shanghai Masters would have been important for him anyway, but now, after this controversy, it feels like Medvedev absolutely must deliver a solid performance if he is to secure his spot in that coveted end-of-year event.
