ROME — Daniil Medvedev, the fiery Russian tennis star, found himself at odds with the Italian Open crowd on Wednesday, responding to boos with a defiant gesture before his match against Lorenzo Musetti was suspended due to rain. The incident added another layer of drama to an already tense encounter at the Foro Italico.
Medvedev's Fiery Exchange with the Crowd
The world No. 4, known for his on-court outbursts, was met with jeers as he stepped onto the court for his third-round clash with Italian favorite Lorenzo Musetti. Instead of ignoring the hostility, Medvedev turned toward the stands, raising a finger to his lips in a silencing motion. The crowd responded with even louder boos, prompting the Russian to smirk before returning to his bench. "I don’t care if they boo. I’ve played in worse atmospheres," Medvedev later remarked in his post-match press conference.
The tension didn’t stop there. Early in the first set, Medvedev engaged in a heated exchange with the chair umpire over a disputed line call, further riling up the spectators. The match was eventually halted at 2-2 in the first set due to persistent rain, leaving the outcome unresolved until Thursday.
A History of Crowd Confrontations
This isn’t the first time Medvedev has clashed with fans. His career has been marked by several notable incidents, including:
- At the 2022 Australian Open, where he sarcastically thanked the crowd after losing to Rafael Nadal in the final.
- During the 2021 US Open, when he criticized fans for cheering his double faults against Dominic Thiem.
- In 2019, when he flipped off the crowd at Wimbledon after being booed for throwing a coin toward the umpire’s chair.
Despite his polarizing demeanor, Medvedev remains one of the sport’s most talented players, with a Grand Slam title (2021 US Open) and multiple Masters 1000 victories to his name. His ability to thrive under pressure—even when the crowd is against him—has become a hallmark of his game.
Musetti’s Home-Court Advantage
Lorenzo Musetti, Italy’s rising star, enjoyed overwhelming support from the local fans. The 22-year-old, ranked No. 30 in the world, has been in strong form this season, reaching the semifinals in Barcelona and the quarterfinals in Monte Carlo. "Playing at home is special, but it also brings pressure," Musetti admitted before the match. "The crowd gives me energy, but I have to stay focused."
The suspension of play due to rain could work in Musetti’s favor, allowing him to regroup after a nervy start. Medvedev, however, is no stranger to weather delays and will likely return with his usual intensity when the match resumes.
What’s Next for Medvedev?
If Medvedev advances, he could face a potential quarterfinal clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas or Cameron Norrie. The Russian has struggled on clay in the past but showed signs of improvement this season, reaching the final in Monte Carlo before losing to Andrey Rublev. "Clay is still my least favorite surface, but I’m getting better," he said earlier this week.
The Italian Open has been a challenging tournament for Medvedev, who has never advanced past the quarterfinals. His best result came in 2021, when he lost to Rafael Nadal in straight sets. This year, with Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner absent, the draw appears more open—but the crowd hostility could prove to be an additional obstacle.
Conclusion: A Match to Watch
The suspended match between Medvedev and Musetti promises high drama when it resumes. Will the Russian’s mental toughness prevail, or will the Italian crowd propel their home favorite to victory? One thing is certain: Medvedev won’t back down from the challenge. "I play my best when people doubt me," he said with a grin.
As the rain clears and play resumes, all eyes will be on Court Centrale to see if Medvedev can silence the boos—or if the Roman crowd will have the last laugh.