Daniil Medvedev Smashes Racket in Frustration

Daniil Medvedev smashed his racket to pieces after losing to Matteo Berrettini in Monte Carlo. The Russian tennis player, 30, experienced his first loss of a tour-level match without winning a game during the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, April 8.

What happened?

Medvedev suffered a 6-0 6-0 loss during the 49-minute match, smashing his racket six times and angrily tossing it across the court. The crowd cheered with every strike as Medvedev's racket bent and eventually broke into two parts.

Why it matters for Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev has a history of on-court outbursts and has previously expressed his dislike of playing on clay courts, describing it as "a surface for losers". He was ranked World No.10 at the time of the match, while his opponent Matteo Berrettini was ranked 80 places below.

What comes next?

This is not the first time Medvedev has exploded during a match, having previously thrown a fit at the US Open in 2025 after a photographer walked on the court. Medvedev's wife, Daria Medvedeva, was seen walking out of the arena amid the moment, although it is unknown whether she attended the Monte Carlo Masters match. Medvedev met his wife when they were teenagers playing competitive tennis alongside each other, and they have two children together. The former No. 1-ranked player has spoken highly of his wife, saying "She's one of the most important members of my team". Medvedev's on-court behavior has been a topic of discussion in the tennis world, with some criticizing his outbursts as unprofessional. However, Medvedev's fans see his passion and frustration as a sign of his dedication to the sport. As the tennis season continues, Medvedev will look to bounce back from this loss and improve his performance on clay courts. With his ranking and reputation on the line, Medvedev will need to find a way to manage his frustration and stay focused on the game. The Monte-Carlo Masters was a disappointing tournament for Medvedev, but he will have the opportunity to redeem himself in upcoming matches. Medvedev's next match will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as he looks to regain his form and make a strong comeback.