Tennis icon Boris Becker has delivered a scathing assessment of Daniil Medvedev's dramatic mid-match meltdown during Friday's US Open semi-final, labelling the Russian's behaviour as "unacceptable" for a player of his calibre.
The 2021 champion's composure completely unravelled during his straight-sets defeat to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, culminating in an extraordinary rant directed at the umpire that left spectators at Flushing Meadows stunned.
Becker's Blunt Verdict
Six-time Grand Slam winner Becker didn't mince his words when analysing the incident for Eurosport Germany. "That was a meltdown. That was a code violation. He got a warning, but it was more than that," stated the German legend.
"He completely lost it. For a professional of his stature, that is unacceptable. You can't do that. You can't talk to an umpire like that."
The Explosive Incident
The controversy erupted when Medvedev received a time violation during a crucial moment in the match. The world number three launched into an expletive-laden tirade, demanding to know why his opponent wasn't similarly penalised.
"Look at me! I'm talking to you!"; Medvedev shouted at chair umpire Alison Hughes. "He's playing slow, but you give me a time violation. Are you stupid? Give him a code violation because he's playing slow."
Psychological Warfare Backfires
Becker, known for his own mental fortitude during his playing career, suggested Medvedev's attempt at psychological gamesmanship ultimately backfired. "Maybe he wanted to upset Alcaraz, but it didn't work," Becker observed.
"Instead, he upset himself. He lost focus, and against a player like Alcaraz, you cannot afford to lose your concentration for even a moment."
Contrasting Champions
The incident highlighted the stark contrast between the two competitors. While Medvedev unraveled, the young Spanish phenom maintained his characteristic composure, ultimately securing a convincing 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 victory to advance to his second consecutive US Open final.
Becker concluded that such outbursts ultimately damage a player's reputation: "This isn't the first time we've seen this from Medvedev. At this level, you must maintain professionalism, even in the heat of battle."
