WATCH: Frustrated Daniil Medvedev throws racket away, almost hits a spectator during his Laver Cup clash against Ben Shelton

Daniil Medvedev was embroiled in controversy during his singles match against Ben Shelton at the 2024 Laver Cup on Sunday (September 22). Frustrated after giving his opponent a set point, the Russian threw his racket, which nearly hit a spectator in the stands.

The first set went to a tiebreak and Medvedev was trailing at 4-5 when he sent a ball long, giving Shelton a set point. He then threw his racket and it bounced on the court before reaching the crowd. The American was taken aback by his opponent's gesture and Team World was not pleased either.

Watch the video below:  

😡Le craquage 😤 de Daniil avec ce jet de raquette… #LaverCup #LaverCup2024 pic.twitter.com/Bjw8wS2Wzc

— Daniil Medvedev FR 🇫🇷 (@DaniilFrance) September 22, 2024

Umpire explains why Medvedev wasn’t disqualified

Medvedev received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the World No. 5 eventually went on to win the opening set and that disturbed Team World. John McEnroe and Frances Tiafoe argued with the match officials as to why the European was not disqualified.

The umpire then explained to Tiafoe how Medvedev escaped disqualification. "Frances, it bounced and it didn’t hit anyone. The result was not bad. The result was not bad. If it had hit someone, I agree with you,” the umpire said. 

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Eurosport commentator, Chris Bradnam said: "So it didn’t hit anyone, if it had hit somebody it would’ve been an instant disqualification. It seemed to unsettle Shelton. [They are] perplexed why it was only just an unsportsmanlike conduct warning. But if the racket didn't hit anybody, Medvedev is very lucky."

Meanwhile, Shelton won the match after taking the remaining two sets 7-5 and 10-7. Despite losing the opening set, the American did not give up his fighting spirit. He earned three vital points for Team World. They were leading 8-7 and with this win, they are just one win away from clinching the trophy. 

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