Medvedev is no stranger to some on-court theatrics but he took things too far in his opening round-robin match at the season-ending championships. The 28-year-old got a code violation for smashing his racket after hitting three consecutive double faults to lose the first set.

And he imploded after going a break down in the second set when Fritz shanked the ball but managed to get it inside the court for a lob winner. The American apologised but it was too late – Medvedev lost his head, throwing his racket and receiving a point penalty.

Asked what went through his head during his furious outburst, the former world No. 1 was brutally honest.

“Unfortunately, nothing comes from my mind, and I expect nothing. I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone. Just with myself. Yeah, very frustrated,” Medvedev explained.

“I mean, tough break point. Shank, on the line. I was like, Whatever, I lost the match. I don’t care. I mean, you have to finish the match. You cannot withdraw, no? I just finished the match.”

Although Medvedev claimed he couldn’t withdraw, he had no problem threatening to quit the match while on court. During the changeover while trailing 2-5 in the second set, the Russian asked the umpire to give him an old ball.

When the chair official said it wouldn’t be possible, the former US Open champion tried to stop altogether. “I’m gonna retire. I’m gonna retire man,” he ranted.

“I’m gonna retire if you don’t give me a ball. I’m gonna retire right now. Just one old ball, can I have one old ball?”

Thanks to the round-robin format of the ATP Finals, Medvedev hasn’t been knocked out of the tournament despite losing. He still has to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and tournament debutant Alex de Minaur.

He could still advance out of the group and into the semi-finals if he wins enough matches. But the former champion doesn’t seem to care about his results in Turin.

“No idea. Just try to do better,” he said when asked what he needed to work on before his next contest on Tuesday. “If it doesn’t work, I’m happy to be out. If it works, I’m happy to be still in. Yeah, we’ll see.”

Medvedev is also keen for the ATP season to be over. He continued: “It’s the first time I say it. Usually, like, ATP Finals were not easy for me. The only time I won it was when the year started US Open, so it’s a little bit different.

“But like I always fight. As I said, since long time I fight with something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’m a good fighter. I am still 4 in the world. Might be 5 if Taylor plays good here. Still pretty decent. I’m sure a lot of guys would like it.

“But now I’m tired to fight it. I’m tired to fight against something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’ll see how it goes. Today actually I had my chances. I’ll have them the next matches. If it doesn’t work out, I go on holiday. I’m happy.”