Daniil Medvedev ‘was lucky not to be defaulted’ after ‘he dropped three f-bombs in a row at the umpire’

Daniil Medvedev should have been defaulted from his Wimbledon clash against Carlos Alcaraz for swearing at the chair umpire, according to the rules with two former British No 1s saying he was lucky to escape with just a warning.

The big talking point during the Medvedev-Alcaraz semi-final match came late in the first set when umpire Eva Asderaki called double-bounce when the Russian tried to pick up a ball.

Medvedev reacted angrily and appeared to mouth “f*** you” three times in the direction of the official, who was unhappy with his conducted and consulted with the referee and supervisor about the incident.

She ultimately opted to give the player a warning and, although Medvedev went on to win the set, he lost 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Former world No 4 Tim Henman says it was a serious incident that warranted a default.

“If you use a swear word you’re going to get a code violation and a warning and a fine, but if you verbally abuse the umpire, that’s when there’s a question mark. It could be a default,” the four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist told the BBC.

“Just from where we’re sitting to see the umpire get down off the umpire’s chair, to see the umpire and the supervisor to go on the court, that doesn’t happen unless something has gone on.”

Daniil Medvedev reveals hostile history with umpire as he was ‘nearly defaulted’ at Wimbledon

The 9 players with the most career wins over the world No 1: Rafael Nadal ahead of rivals

Medvedev admitted after the match that he had “history” with Asderaki, but insisted he didn’t cross the line.

“I don’t know if it was double bounce or not. I thought no. That was tricky,” he explained. “The thing is that once long ago Roland Garros against Cilic I lost, and she didn’t see that was one bounce. So I had this in my mind. I thought, again, against me.

“I said something in Russian, not unpleasant, but not over the line. So I got a code for it.”

Another former British No 1 Mark Petchey says the only reason why Medvedev was not kicked out of the tournament was because it was a high-profile match.

“You can understand he was angry, but then he dropped three f-bombs in a row at the umpire, and that could be a straight default if you go strictly by the rules,” he said on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.

“That’s why the umpire called the supervisor. Obviously it’s a semi-final at Wimbledon. I think a little bit of latitude was given.

“I suppose the argument is should there be any latitude in that moment?”

Medvedev, though, is likely to get a “substantial” fine and Petchey added it is important to keep players on the court “for the entertainment”.

“I’m a big one for the entertainment, and that’s why as much as I’m not a big fan of (Medical Time Outs), I feel like you need to keep them to keep the players on the court,” he said.