Rennae Stubbs slams Daniil Medvedev for Laver Cup racket throw antics

The 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin saw heated moments both on and off the court, but one incident involving Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has sparked major controversy. Rennae Stubbs, the former coach of Serena Williams, harshly criticized Medvedev for his on-court antics, calling for stricter regulations to handle such behaviour in tennis.

The Laver Cup, a prestigious event featuring Team Europe against Team World, culminated in an intense battle where Team Europe narrowly lost with a score of 13-11. The final day's drama was heightened by Medvedev’s erratic behaviour during his match against American star Ben Shelton. Medvedev, ranked world number five, lost the match 6-7, 7-5, 10-5, marking his second defeat in the tournament after previously falling to another American, Frances Tiafoe.

Medvedev’s frustrations during the match reached a breaking point when, after a string of errors, he openly admitted to his teammates that he was playing the worst tennis of his career. His mood worsened as the match progressed, ultimately leading to a dramatic moment when Medvedev threw his racket in frustration. While the racket didn't hit anyone, it came dangerously close to members of the event crew and individuals near the court.

What did Stubbs say about the incident?

Team World immediately raised concerns, pushing for Medvedev’s disqualification from the match due to the reckless action. However, match officials opted not to default the Russian player, as the racket had not struck any spectators or staff. This decision has since ignited debates among fans and professionals alike about the enforcement of rules surrounding player conduct.

Rennae Stubbs, in particular, has been vocal about her disapproval of how the incident was handled. She believes that any player who throws their racket in such a manner should face immediate consequences, regardless of whether the racket causes harm.

"What the living F was he (Daniil Medvedev) doing throwing that racket?” Stubbs questioned, expressing disbelief at Medvedev's behaviour. She further elaborated on the need for a blanket rule, saying, “If you throw your racket and it leaves the court, no matter what, you are defaulted.”

Stubbs’ comments have reignited the ongoing discussion about player conduct in professional tennis. Many, including Stubbs, argue that stricter measures should be in place to deter such outbursts, ensuring that players maintain professionalism on the court. While Medvedev’s behaviour didn’t lead to immediate consequences, the incident has undoubtedly raised important questions about the boundaries of acceptable conduct in the sport.