Daniil Medvedev failed to reach the China Open final in Beijing. The former world no. 1 faced the young American Learnen Tien in the semi-final and retired while trailing 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 after two hours and 26 minutes.
World no. 18 led 7-5, 5-3 before Tien turned the tables and rattled off four games to steal the second set and force a decider. The Russian started to struggle physically due to cramps, barely moving and not not doing much on the return.
Medvedev's frustration boiled over when umpire Adel Nour issues a code violation for lack of effort in the second game of the decider. Daniil appealed the ruling to supervisor Roland Herfel, vehemently defending his commitment and questioning the umpire's judgment.
The argue ended shortly, and the Russian continued the duel. However, he retired after losing the fourth game, ending his campaign and propelling the young gun over the top.
Medvedev's reaction underscored his disbelief at being scrutinized despite giving his all on court in those circumstances. At one point, he expressed incredulity at the suggestion he should retire and pushed back against what he saw as repeated intimidation by the referees.
Two rivals battled for over two hours in the opening two sets. Learnen wasted a 4-2 lead in the first set and saved a set point at 4-5. The Russian completed his comeback with a late break at 7-5.
Daniil had the upper hand early in the second set and forged a 4-1 lead, sailing toward the finish line. They traded breaks in games seven and eight, with Medvedev leading 5-3.
He served for the win in game nine and suffered a break at 15 to keep his rival in contention. Learnen converted the fourth break point in the 11th game and held after a deuce at 6-5 to force a decider.
As it turned out, world no. 18 had nothing left in his tank. He struggled with his movement and took only four points in the opening four games before retiring.
