SUMMARY
- The lights left Daniil Medvedev agitated during his second-round match at Indian Wells.
- The fans were furious at Daniil Medvedev for causing a ruckus about the lights in his match at Indian Wells.
In the second round of matches at Indian Wells, most games proceeded without trouble. But the second-round match between Daniil Medvedev and Roberto Carballes Baena was interrupted in between. It saw Medvedev complaining about unusual light activity. The fans were not happy with Medvedev’s behavior during the match.
The Russian halted the match in the eighth game of the second set. Baena was on the verge of a comeback after breaking serve for the first time in the match. But then Medvedev got distracted by the flickering of the lights above the court. Once the issue was fixed, Medvedev was back on track. “He’ll do anything to win. He’ll do anything to stop his opponents good rhythm,” commented a fan after watching the match.
He’ll do anything to win. He’ll do anything to stop his opponents good rhythm.
— tennis fan 🎾🎾🎾🎾 (@voula70000907) March 10, 2024
I like him and always rooting for him… but why had the light not been an issue when he was leading??? Suddenly when Baena leveled up – this became a problem?? He complained when Baena got back the break
— O_o_O (@s2093204) March 10, 2024
One fan felt it was usual for Medvedev to act like this during a match. The fan said, “Daniil Medvedev leading by a set and on serve in the 2nd is complaining about a light in his eye. Wouldn’t be a Daniil match without something going on.” Baena could only win four points out of 12 after the flickering lights were fixed.
Daniil Medvedev leading by a set and on serve in the 2nd is complaining about a light in his eye. Wouldn’t be a Daniil match without something going on. #IndianWells pic.twitter.com/2NaclfQcrJ
— Anastasia Folorunso (@a_folorunso) March 10, 2024
#medvedev is stopping the match to complain about this tiny flicker in the lights high above the stadium that nobody but him noticed 🙄 #WTF #daniilmedvedev #indianwells @BNPPARIBASOPEN pic.twitter.com/u3uJ19r5Vk
— Roberto (@rrrobertooo) March 10, 2024
The world No.4 secured a hatrick of victories against Baena. The Spaniard has not won a set against Medvedev in their first three meetings. They have only played on hardcourts as Baena exited in the second round at Indian Wells for the third time. Meanwhile, Medvedev has entered the third round for the sixth consecutive time at the event.
Daniil Medvedev looks to avoid the perils of the past at Indian Wells
Medvedev has won 12 matches at Indian Wells so far in seven appearances. He has progressed to the fourth twice so far at the event. Last season, Medvedev was the finalist as he went beyond the fourth round for the first time in his career at Indian Wells. This year, he will face an uphill task to enter the round of 16 as Sebastian Korda is his next opponent.
Korda was the only player outside the top ten last season to defeat Medvedev in consecutive matches. The American had beaten him at the Australian Open and later at Shanghai. Korda has two wins in three matches against Medvedev so far. Medvedev lost in straight sets the last time they met on tour. He could not break Korda’s serve even once in the third round at Shanghai.
The 28-year-old is yet to win a title this season and is playing in his third event. The situation looks dull for Korda as he has played in six events this season and has yet to reach a final. The 29-year-old has been serving well since the start of the year as Medvedev will have to activate his best defense strategy. Korda will hope to begin the match with an offensive start and keep the game short.
