Medvedev dumps Draper in controversial finish

Holder Jack Draper was rattled by a controversial hindrance call against him in the closing stages of his Indian Wells Masters quarter-final which gave opponent Daniil Medvedev the winning edge.

The Brit lost 6-1, 7-5 but retained relative good spirits as he discussed the situation at the net seconds after defeat with the winner,

At 5-all in the second set, Medvedev had called hindrance as Draper raised his arm slightly as he reacted to hitting a shot, with play continuing for three more exchanges

The crowd erupted in boos and jeers as the drama unfolded between the players and the chair umpire Aurelie Torte. A video review gave the point to Medvedev 

The incident signalled the end for Draper, who lost a few moments later with a forehand error to exit the scene of his biggest career success. 

Medvedev told Draper at the net that he did not “feel great” about the situation but did take the win into the final four. 

“Was I distracted big time? No. Do I feel good about it? Not really.

But I also don’t feel like I cheated or something.

“So I got a bit distracted. I let it go, I let the referee decide.

“I had a lot of calls against me in my life, and I usually don’t handle them well.
To get one on my side, I guess feels good as well.”

But Draper disagreed: “If it really obstructed him, then fair enough,” before walking away and returning to say, “We play through it all the time and there’s no way it distracted him enough,” the Briton said.

Medvedev advanced into a contest against top seed Carlos Alcaraz, who put out Britain’s Cam Norrie 6-3, 6-4.

Draper told Medvedev as they shook hands at the net: “You won the match fair and square, but I don’t think it distracted you enough.” Added Medvedev: “I don’t feel great. I understand.”

“The first set was unreal, I couldn’t miss a ball,” Medvedev said.“It was an unbelievable level.

“Second set, he tried to give everything he had, and he had an opportunity. In general, I’m super happy with the way I’m playing now and I’m looking forward.”

Medvedev earned his Tour-leading 17th match win of the season.

Main photo:- Draper had a conversatiion with Medvedev at the net after loss – by ATPTour.com