Tennis star Daniil Medvedev experienced a stunning defeat at the Washington Open quarter-finals, losing to lucky loser Corentin Moutet in a match that saw the Russian smash his water bottle and fling his racquet in frustration.
A Shocking Exit and Emotional Outburst
Daniil Medvedev, a former world No. 1, was unexpectedly ousted from the Washington Open by Corentin Moutet, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser. Following the dramatic match point, Medvedev was reportedly booed by fans as he left the court.
Cameras captured the moment of his frustration: Medvedev was seen twice smashing his water bottle on the ground, and his racquet flew through the air, landing dangerously close to the stands.
From Control to Collapse
The match began promisingly for Medvedev, who comfortably claimed the first set 6-1. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the subsequent sets. Moutet mounted a formidable comeback, winning both the second and third sets with identical 6-4 scores, clinching the upset victory.
This loss comes at a challenging time for Medvedev. He currently holds a world ranking of No. 14, his lowest position in over six years, after previously reaching the top spot in men’s tennis.
A Match Full of Drama
Even before Medvedev’s post-match display, the quarter-final was laden with tension. The game was suspended for an hour due to lightning in the Washington area. At the time of the suspension, Moutet had gained the upper hand, leading Medvedev 1-6, 6-4, 5-4.
Upon the resumption of play, the Frenchman maintained his composure to seal the win. Medvedev’s struggles were evident in his final service game, where he committed three costly double faults.
Heat and High Stakes
The challenging conditions in Washington, including high heat, also played a role in the match. The ATP website noted that both players struggled, with Medvedev even needing a medical timeout in the second set due to heat stress.
Despite these challenges, Medvedev had expressed confidence heading into the tournament, stating that the hard courts were his preferred surface. He had highlighted that this part of the season was crucial for him, especially given what he described as “not the best year.”
Moutet’s Milestone Moment
While Medvedev grappled with his frustration, Corentin Moutet celebrated a significant career achievement. His victory over the higher-ranked Russian propels him into his first semi-final at a level above ATP 250, marking a memorable advance in his career.
- Daniil Medvedev lost to lucky loser Corentin Moutet in the Washington Open quarter-finals.
- Medvedev reacted to the loss by smashing a water bottle and flinging his racquet.
- The match included a significant lightning delay and a medical timeout for Medvedev due to heat stress.
- This defeat drops Medvedev to his lowest ranking in over six years.
- Corentin Moutet advances to his biggest career semi-final.
This unexpected result adds another twist to Daniil Medvedev’s season, while Corentin Moutet enjoys a breakthrough performance on the ATP Tour.
