Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the Shanghai Masters quarter-final following a hard-fought 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 triumph over Learnen Tien in nearly three hours.
Daniil kept his composure and played well in the decider, although his frustration boiled over. The 2019 champion overcame physical issues under humid conditions and emerged at the top to remain on title course.
Alongside their grueling baseline battles, one of the most dramatic moments came from a heated exchange between Daniil and chair umpire Mohamed Layhani.
Medvedev to the umpire:
"All my life, I've been serving & waiting for Rafa for 55 seconds. And you give me a code violation on the first occasion. I played Rafa 5 times, there was not one time I was ready to serve and he was ready to return. He didn't get one time violation." pic.twitter.com/J88OklJi1y
— Corvath Draemir (@Archaicmind3000) October 8, 2025
The Russian received a time violation, prompting him to question the decision and bring up his past experiences facing Rafael Nadal. Daniil referenced the Spaniard's deliberate pace between points.
As Medvedev argued, the 22-time Major champion never received such warnings despite often delaying his return readiness. The episode once again spotlighted the ongoing debate around the consistency of time-violation enforcement on the ATP Tour.
Daniil Medvedev, Shanghai Masters 2025© Stream screenshot
Daniil, known for his outspoken nature and sharp wit, kept his composure after the argument, blocking frustration and focusing on his rival. He sealed the deal and achieved another good run after competing in the semi-final in Beijing.
Medvedev lost serve three times and created 12 break chances. He seized four and prevailed after another thrilling battle against the young gun who stunned him in January at the Australian Open.
The Russian will chase the semi-final spot against Alex de Minaur.
"All my life, I have been serving & waiting for Rafa for 55 seconds. And you give me a code violation on the first occasion. I played Rafa five times, and not a single time when I was ready to serve he was prepared to return.
He did not get one time violation," Daniil Medvedev said.
