Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner’s Italian Open semi-final has been full of drama.
The world number one looked to be hurtling towards another comfortable win, taking the first set 6-2, before his Russian opponent fought back brilliantly to take the second, 5-7.
Struggling physically in the decider, Sinner called for a medical timeout.
Was Jannik Sinner wrong to call a medical time-out?
Daniil Medvedev wasn't happy!
Questioning the ‘injury’ Sinner required treatment for, Medvedev issued a complaint to the umpire.
Daniil Medvedev complained that Jannik Sinner was receiving treatment for cramps
Players aren’t allowed to call medical time-outs for cramps, although it looked like Sinner was doing just that in the third set.
Medvedev noticed Sinner receiving treatment on both quads and complained to the umpire in French.
Commentating for Sky Sports, Jamie Murray agreed with Medvedev.
“He is getting treated for cramp essentially, he’s getting his quads massaged,” said Murray.
“So, it happens a lot, obviously, I don’t agree with it personally.
“He’s getting his other quad massaged now, so it’s a tough one to explain that you have got two injured quads and it’s not cramp while you’re sipping on your pickle juice.
“Players exploit that every week; it’s not a unique situation. Medvedev knows what is up.
“Paul Ness, the ATP physio, knows what is up as well.”
Pickle juice is often drunk by players struggling with cramps, further strengthening Medvedev’s case.
Later, Tim Henman weighed in, sharing his thoughts.
“I think you articulated it well, it’s a rule that the players know how to manipulate, just to get a little bit of work on their legs,” he said.
“I was concerned that at the end of the second set, whether Sinner was going to be completely out of gas and pull the plug and say I can’t go on.
“But it shows his competitive spirit that he hung in there, did get a little bit of treatment, trying to loosen up those quads.
“I’m sure Daniil Medvedev was not particularly happy about that.”
Unfortunately for Medvedev, his complaints fell on deaf ears as Sinner received treatment before the match continued.
It didn’t continue for long, though, despite the umpire’s best efforts…
Umpire criticised for ‘nonsense’ call during Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev semi-final
Rain was promised for semi-final day in Rome, and boy, did it deliver.
With Medvedev serving at 2-6, 7-5, 2-4, heavy rain fell on Campo Centrale.
Sinner was quick to alert the umpire, suggesting the lines were becoming too slippery.
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Rain postponed Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev's Italian Open semi-final…
Umpire Aurelie Tourte got down from her chair to check the court conditions but wasn’t convinced a suspension of play was necessary.
It was during the next point that the rain intensified, prompting Sinner to question the umpire’s decision once more.
Murray couldn’t believe Tourte was making Sinner and Medvedev play on.
“There is no way they should still be playing looking at that rain, no chance!” he said.
“I mean, come on, umpire here!
“How can she say? Come on.
“This is unheard of from the umpire here, that she’s forced him to keep playing.
“This is nonsense.
“Jannik should also just stop playing. If he stops playing, what are they going to do?
“I’m amazed that she’s saying they should continue. I’m even more amazed that Jannik is kind of accepting it.
“I’ve never seen an umpire so determined to keep the players on the court; normally, they’re so cautious.
“She was determined, it was chucking it down!”
Eventually, common sense prevailed, and the match was suspended, and the court was covered.
Henman agreed with Tourte’s somewhat delayed decision.
“It’s not good,” he said.
“It was a little bit of drizzle to begin with, but as you can see from the picture, it’s heavy rain now, and I think it’s a good decision to get off the court.
“They need to cover that court, it’s had enough rain over the last few days.”
Sinner led Medvedev 2-6, 7-5, 2-4 (AD-40) when play was suspended due to rain.
Casper Ruud awaits the winner of Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev’s Rome semi-final
Norway’s Casper Ruud might be the only man enjoying the rain in Rome.
The former world number two won his semi-final match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, and can now rest up ahead of his maiden Italian Open final.
How underrated is Casper Ruud?
He's into another Masters 1000 final…
If Sinner and Medvedev can’t finish their semi-final on Friday, their match will resume on Saturday, which will likely affect their preparations for Sunday’s final.
Bad news for them, but great news for Ruud!
