Pros and Cons of Arguing with Umpires

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Photo credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty

The high chair is a hot seat when Daniil Medvedev is playing.

Chair umpires are accustomed to taking heat from Medvedev at times.

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During his 7-6(3), 6-3 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Shanghai today, Medvedev had a tiff with chair umpire Fergus Murphy as did his Greek opponent, who was hit with a time violation.

Afterward, Medvedev reflected on the pros and cons of arguing with umpires.

“I mean, I argue a lot with umpires,” Medvedev told the media in Shanghai. “So I was just waiting, and I knew that, no, just need to stay focused on myself, because sometimes it’s not easy after, like, some break to regroup yourself.

“Because actually what happens when you argue with the umpire, sometimes it distracts you, not in a good way. I think that’s what happened.”

Though Medvedev’s dispute was downright mild compared to Frances Tiafoe’s F-bomb tirade at the umpire after his loss to Roman Safiullin in Shanghai on Tuesday, the 2021 US Open champion is pragmatic about his love of the art of arguing.

Medvedev views his on-court arguments as a bit like fire. If you can control the emotional intensity, the argument can fuel the competitive inferno. If not, it can consume you and burn you apart.

“Sometimes it does give you the extra push for, like, Oh, my God, everyone is against me,” Medvedev said. “So I knew that I need to stay tough, and I managed to serve well and get the break, so, yeah, pretty happy about my level.”

Drama unfolding @DaniilMedwed with a stunning forehand pass to break 🔥#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/DQWMN28w3e

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 9, 2024

How will Medvedev manage his emotion facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a Shanghai quarterfinal rematch of the Australian Open final?

The former No. 1 says he plans to bring the fire and fight to the current world No. 1.

“With Sinner, yeah, I mean, we played already four times this year,” Medvedev said. “I think one was very easy for him. The other three were tougher, I played well in some of them.

“I’m going to bring the fight, I’m going to prepare tactically, mentally, physically. It’s going to be a tough match, so hopefully my body feels well, and I’m ready, yeah, to bring the fight and go for it.”