Jack Draper’s Indian Wells title defence came to an end last night, ending at the hands of Daniil Medvedev.
Alas, it still marked a fine run from the Brit, reaching the quarter-finals at a Masters 1000 event in just his second tournament back since returning from injury.
Despite the straightforward nature of his straight sets victory, the Russian’s triumph was briefly embroiled in controversy.
This moment, which drew boos from the onlooking crowd, even had to be addressed at the net after the match was concluded.
What was the controversial moment in Jack Draper’s loss to Daniil Medvedev?
Having lost the opening set 6-1, the second was far more competitive for Jack Draper, with the scores locked at 5-5.
Whilst rallying, Daniil Medvedev struck a forehand that seemed to sail just long of the baseline. Despite his frustration, Draper played on, continuing the point but briefly waving his arms in protestation.
Upon the conclusion of the point, it was decided that this small action constituted a hindrance, and thus the point was awarded to the eventual victor.
It was argued that, because the point continued after the supposed distraction, there should have been no punishment.
After the video review, Draper was penalised.
Daniil Medvedev reacts to Jack Draper controversy
Asked about the controversy in his post-match press conference, Medvedev admitted: “I think I should have done it the moment it happened, like, I should not have waited until the end of the point, and then it would be a bit more, probably available.
“But if you look at my first forehand, I do, after this happens, I could have gone for more. I was kind of tiny bit distracted. So I said to the umpire, like, What should I do? Should I do it next time straightaway? And she goes, like, If you want, you can video review. I said, Okay, video review.
“And whatever she decide, she decide, and she decided that it’s a point for me. So I take it.
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“That’s basically it. Was I distracted big time? No. Was I distracted a bit? Yes. Is it enough to win the point? I don’t know.”
He then went on to confirm that, despite the frustration, he and Draper remain on good terms: “I think so, I mean, it’s more a question for him because, right, because I would be okay with him after what happened, so it’s more a question to him.
“I think we have a great relationship, so I don’t think one incident like this could make the outcome, especially, as again, I told him straightaway, if she thinks it’s not enough, 15-All, we go on. If she thinks it’s enough, well, then, it’s Love-30, I’m sorry, and that’s what happened.”
This is not the only video review controversy that has involved the 24-year-old, with Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime having famously argued over one call on match point back in 2024.
What Jack Draper said to Daniil Medvedev at the net
Fortunately, we were able to pick up the conversation that Draper and Medvedev shared at the net after the match, where they once again discussed this incident.
Medvedev began by claiming: “If you’re mad with me, I’m sorry.”
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Draper insisted he wasn’t, replying: “No, I’m not. I’m not at all, but I don’t think it…”
This is where Medvedev interjected to offer his view on things, noting: “No but I would understand [if you were annoyed].”
Draper then concluded: “I don’t think it distracted you enough, that’s what I’m saying.”
