MONTE CARLO : Daniil Medvedev smashed his racket multiple times during a shocking 6-0 6-0 defeat to Italian wildcard Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, marking the world number 10’s first tour-level loss without winning a single game.
Medvedev was outplayed from start to finish, capitulating in just 49 minutes and failing to earn a game point on his own serve. A visibly frustrated Medvedev vented his anger by destroying his racket and discarding the broken pieces in a courtside bin.
The 30-year-old Russian, who claimed titles in Brisbane and Dubai earlier this season, struggled badly throughout, committing 27 unforced errors in a one-sided contest.
For Berrettini, it was a milestone performance. The Italian recorded his first career 6-0 6-0 victory at tour level and secured his first win over a top-10 opponent since defeating Alexander Zverev in Monte Carlo last year.
“I think it was one of the best performances of my life,” Berrettini said. “I think I missed three shots in the entire match and it is not easy against a tricky player like Daniil. I think the game plan was perfect and my weapons were working.”
Medvedev’s outburst is likely to reignite debate over player conduct on court. World number one Aryna Sabalenka recently supported the idea of “rage rooms” where players can release frustration away from public view, following Coco Gauff’s racket-smashing incident at the Australian Open.
