Daniil Medvedev says booing is 'part of tennis right now' with Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune also targeted
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Updated 01/05/2023 at 18:36 GMT
Is booing a growing trend in tennis? Daniil Medvedev, who was on the end of negative treatment from fans at the Madrid Open on Monday, thinks so, as he discussed the "disappointing" crowd reactions this season to the likes of Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune, as well as himself. "As soon as something is happening, they don't even know what's happening, they just boo you," Medvedev said.
'I'm going to tell you one thing' - Umpire gives Rune advice as Madrid crowd boo Dane
Daniil Medvedev has opened up on the booing in tennis that has seen him, Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune all targeted of late, with the latest episode at the Madrid Open.
Medvedev progressed to the round of 16 in the Spanish capital by beating compatriot Alexander Shevchenko on Monday, but was on the end of catcalls during the encounter after he hit his racquet in the first set.
The 27-year-old proceeded to put his finger to his ear, ramping up the crowd reaction.
There remained an undercurrent of tension throughout the match, with Medvedev making a similar gesture late in the third set as he edged towards victory.
It's not the first time this year - or even this tournament - that the crowd have booed a player.
Holger Rune was the subject of supporters' ire during his eventual loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Sunday after scrubbing out a debated line call with his foot, with Medvedev and Djokovic also the subject of jeers in Monte Carlo last month over disputed decisions.
Speaking after his win over Shevchenko, Medvedev reflected on his experiences and on what he feels is a growing trend in tennis.
"You know, I hit the racquet a little bit after the first set. I was disappointed with some mistakes," Medvedev began.
"So they [the Madrid crowd] started booing. I was, like, yeah, come on, let's do it more. But then when you play a good point you also can put them on your side.
"I actually watched Holger yesterday without the sound, so I thought that something is happening, but I watched it without the sound. So I heard that something happened. I didn't see it.
"I mean, again, it's all about did you deserve it or not? I don't think Holger did anything yesterday. So, yeah, that's disappointing.
"Sometimes you deserve it, sometimes not. Probably, you know, I hit the racquet a little bit, so maybe I deserve it.
"One time I took a challenge, they started booing. 'What, you don't want me to take a challenge?'"
He added: "I feel like also sometimes the crowd right now in tennis, for whatever reason, I don't know, maybe it was like this before also, comes for this excitement.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia argues with the chair umpire Aurelie Tourte after a bad line call as he plays against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in their third round match during day five of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 13.
Image credit: Getty Images
"So as soon as something is happening, they don't even know what's happening, they just boo you.
"I experienced this quite a bit. Novak experienced it. I mean, a lot of players.
"I think it's just part of tennis right now.”
Medvedev takes on Aslan Karatsev in his next match in Madrid on Tuesday.
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