Daniil Medvedev explains sudden tennis retirement after rushing away
Daniil Medvedev has explained why he pulled out of the Qatar Open
Daniil Medvedev has broken his silence to explain why he withdrew from the Qatar Open after walking off court without shaking the hand of his opponent. The Russian star made a swift exit from his encounter with Felix Auger-Aliassime in Doha, having lost the first set 6-3, with fans at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex dumbfounded. But as the two players walked towards their chair during the break in between sets, Medvedev headed to the umpire Mohamed Lahyani and informed him that he would be cutting the match short. Medvedev's abrupt exit from the court and his apparent snub to Auger-Aliassime only added to the confusion, as the pair hadn't engaged in any animosity. However, the 29-year-old sought to clear up the matter by revealing that he had been suffering from food poisoning, which forced him to retire from the clash and hand Auger-Aliassime a walkover.
"Unfortunately I had food poisoning," Medvedev said. "Very disappointed to end my run here in Doha like this as I feel like I was playing well. I look forward to coming back next year." Auger-Aliassime made light work of Medvedev in the first set, claiming four games in a row to take the opening set before the one-time Grand Slam winner threw in the towel. There were no obvious signs that Medvedev was struggling and Auger-Aliassime, 22, appeared to be taken aback by Medvedev's decision to retire, as the Canadian sat on his bench as usual for the end-of-set changeover.
Felix Auger-Aliassime was left baffled by Medvedev's quick exit
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Match commentators Arvind Palmer and Lee Goodall admitted his decision to pull out and not shake hands took them "by surprise." Palmer said: "I don't think they even shook hands, did they?" And Goodall replied: "Scratching my head here. Did not see that coming. Like you say, I don't think there was even a handshake, was there? Just put the racket away and off he went." The world No.4 has experienced a disappointing season so far, reaching only the second round at the Australian Open and leaving with a 1-1 record again in Rotterdam.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Daniil Medvedev won back-to-back matches for the first time this year
Daniil Medvedev has broken his silence to explain why he withdrew from the Qatar Open after walking off court without shaking the hand of his opponent. The Russian star made a swift exit from his encounter with Felix Auger-Aliassime in Doha, having lost the first set 6-3, with fans at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex dumbfounded. But as the two players walked towards their chair during the break in between sets, Medvedev headed to the umpire Mohamed Lahyani and informed him that he would be cutting the match short. Medvedev's abrupt exit from the court and his apparent snub to Auger-Aliassime only added to the confusion, as the pair hadn't engaged in any animosity. However, the 29-year-old sought to clear up the matter by revealing that he had been suffering from food poisoning, which forced him to retire from the clash and hand Auger-Aliassime a walkover.
"Unfortunately I had food poisoning," Medvedev said. "Very disappointed to end my run here in Doha like this as I feel like I was playing well. I look forward to coming back next year." Auger-Aliassime made light work of Medvedev in the first set, claiming four games in a row to take the opening set before the one-time Grand Slam winner threw in the towel. There were no obvious signs that Medvedev was struggling and Auger-Aliassime, 22, appeared to be taken aback by Medvedev's decision to retire, as the Canadian sat on his bench as usual for the end-of-set changeover.
Felix Auger-Aliassime was left baffled by Medvedev's quick exit
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Match commentators Arvind Palmer and Lee Goodall admitted his decision to pull out and not shake hands took them "by surprise." Palmer said: "I don't think they even shook hands, did they?" And Goodall replied: "Scratching my head here. Did not see that coming. Like you say, I don't think there was even a handshake, was there? Just put the racket away and off he went." The world No.4 has experienced a disappointing season so far, reaching only the second round at the Australian Open and leaving with a 1-1 record again in Rotterdam.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Daniil Medvedev won back-to-back matches for the first time this year
Most Popular
No. 1 Wake Forest Ends A&T's 11-Match Winning Streak
13 hours ago
Jack Draper breaks into the ATP top 10
14 hours ago
