Zverev: Why I think Medvedev lacks sportsmanship

MONTENEGRO – Olympic champion Alexander Zverev has called Daniil Medvedev “one of the most unfair players in the world” after he was defeated by the Russian 6-3, 5-7, 6-7 (7-9) in the last 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday.

“I take fairness and sportsmanship very, very seriously. Unfortunately, he has none of that,” Zverev told broadcasters Sky.

The German said his opponent used partly unfair means to stay in the game.

Advertisement

For example, when Zverev led 5-4 in the second set, Medvedev expressed his frustration by removing the net post as the players switched sides and put it on the court. He didn’t receive a warning for that.

“He tries to do everything, when he’s behind (in the scoring). As an athlete, that really disappoints me,” Zverev said. “There were several moments, when he had the feeling I started playing better and tried to do something every time.

“Of course you can argue that I shouldn’t let it distract me. That’s also completely my fault. But still, I think fairness in sport should always be a part of it,” he stressed.