Let’s be real, when it comes to stirring the pot, no one does it quite like Daniil Medvedev. The Russian star is on a quest to conclude the Asian hardcourt swing triumphantly after an unfortunate semifinal exit at the China Open. As a result, he has found shelter at the Shanghai Masters. However, Meddy has lamented over a crucial issue at the ATP 1000 Masters event.

The former World No. 1 received a bye into the second round. During the showdown’s opening set, Medvedev had a moment of drama that seemingly engulfed the spectators’ attention. Notably, the Russian player called the supervisor to criticize the quality of the balls used and, with it, claimed that they couldn’t last any longer than five games. “These balls are not good enough for professional tennis. This is one of the biggest tournaments in the world and the balls are destroyed after 5 games. No pressure at all.” Naturally, that wasn’t the end of it.

After winning the contest and advancing to the third round, the 26-year-old expanded on the issue and laid bare his honest opinion on the degrading quality of balls used within the circuit. Furthermore, Medvedev did not hold back from lambasting the apparent ‘inferior-grade’ tennis balls used at several events this season, including the French Open.

He said, “My feeling at this point is at this point, the companies try to see how far they can go to make bad balls, and ATP doesn’t say anything. I mean, Beijing, Shanghai, US Open was a bit better and Roland Garros was just… [shakes head]. It’s not good enough balls for a professional level of tennis. I made some passing shots, I tried to hit the ball, it just doesn’t go from the racquet. It’s ridiculous.”

This isn’t the first time Meddy has iterated his problem with the quality of balls. Last year in Beijing, the Russian star complained about the Wilson balls after ousting Ugo Humbert. He suggested that the balls weren’t ideal for hardcourt tennis. “All the match was pretty up & down. These balls on hardcourts are a joke. 3rd set I lose my serve & I win 6-1. It’s not normal. But we’ve played like this all year.”

Amid all the hue and cry, Meddy’s had a moment of relief. For those unaware, the former World No. 1 exacted his revenge in Shanghai.

Daniil Medvedev evades second consecutive upset to Seyboth Wild

Vying for a deep run in Shanghai, Russian superstar Daniil Medvedev occupied himself with downing Seyboth Wild in the second round. Despite a slow start, Meddy overcame his slumber to conclude the contest with a scoreline of 7-5. Exciting, indeed, considering the Brazilian player had stunned the former World No. 1 in the opening round of last year’s Roland Garros.

In an on-court interview, the 2021 US Open champion noted that he “managed to stay composed in tough moments. He had a break in both sets. I managed to put on a lot of pressure, and both times it worked at 5-all”. He also showered love for fans, saying, “I love Shanghai and I feel the people love me back. I enjoy it a lot so I want to stay as long as possible here.”

Next up, Meddy is drawn up against Matteo Arnaldi. To further his agenda in Shanghai, the Russian will aim to captivate the crowd with his thrilling performance on Sunday, October 6, and subsequently, advance to the third round.