‘I’m going to retire’: Daniil Medvedev threatens umpire in dramatic Shanghai Masters loss – Watch

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev reacts during his match against Spain’s Rafael Jodar in the men’s singles semifinal match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai, China, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Daniil Medvedev has threatened to walk out of his Shanghai Masters semi-final against Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar after a replay row.The Russian wanted the officials to show Jodar’s previous shot on the big screen, arguing that he missed the ball because he believed his opponent’s shot had dropped.However, referee chairman Adel Nour initially rejected this, saying that the rules only allow replays of the rally’s final shot.

Medvedev threatens to retire over replay dispute

Medvedev continued to argue, insisting that Jodar’s forehand was the last valid stroke because he thought his own return went out. He grew increasingly frustrated as the referee explained the rules to him.“It’s out. This is the last shot of the rally. I want to see it. I thought it was out, that’s why I missed. I’m just asking you to see the ball, that’s it,” he explained.Watch:When the referee refused to change his decision, Medvedev threatened to walk out of the match.“I’m not moving, huh? I can retire, I don’t care. The ATP fines me anyway. I’m going to retire. Show me the ball or I’m out of this court.”The referee eventually contacted the officials and arranged for Jodar’s shot to be shown on the screen, despite initially claiming that the rules did not allow it.

Commentators question Medvedev’s actions

The incident drew criticism from tennis commentators who wondered if Medvedev was using the argument to gain time to recover during the match.“He fell in love with hook, line and sinker,” said Barry Cowan on the World Channel.Lee Goodall also suggested that Medvedev may have been trying to buy time as he looked more tired than Jodar.Naomi Broady on Sky Sports questioned the referee’s decision to back off the threat.“I’d like him to call his bluff. I’d like him to just call his bluff. I also don’t know if that’s protocol (to only show the last shot),” Broady said.Despite the interruption, Jodar defeated Medvedev 6–3, 6–4 to book a place in the Shanghai Masters final.