Riled-up Russian Daniil Medvedev told fans to "shut up" during his shock opening-round defeat at the French Open, as he turns his attention towards facing a potentially frosty crowd at Wimbledon.
The incident comes after female Ukrainian player Marta Kostyu was booed for not shaking the hand of Belarusian opponent Aryna Sabalenka during a week in which political tensions have bled onto the courts in Paris. On Tuesday, Medvedev, 27, surprisingly lost to Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild over five sets, at one point clashing with the crowd at Roland-Garros while disputing a close line call.
"I was getting booed for whatever reason and I just told them to shut up," the world No.2 declared post-match. Having been banned from Wimbledon last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev is set to return to SW19 next month and admits that he can't "control" whatever reception comes his way.
"If people are going to decide to be harsh, it is what it is," the 2021 US Open champion explained. "If they're going to be kind, it's great also. I will be happy if I'm able to come to the UK to play Wimbledon."
In April, Medvedev thanked Wimbledon organisers for allowing him to return to the 2023 competition. "I'm really happy," the 27-year-old beamed. "I always said that I love this tournament. It's the only Grand Slam, which is surprising when we have Roland Garros, that I didn't make quarters yet, and I want to do better.
"I think I lost, what, five sets to Hubi [Hurkacz] and to [David] Goffin maybe was third round five sets. But anyway, I had some tough losses there. I want to try to turn this around. It's a beautiful tournament, a beautiful Grand Slam. I'm really happy that I'm going to be able to play there this year."
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Medvedev will be hoping to fare better than in Paris. Opponent Seyboth Wild went into the first-round clash 170 places behind in the world rankings but still managed to pull off a historic triumph. The Brazilian, 23, hit a total of 69 winners to earn his first ever victory in a Grand Slam singles match 7-6 6-7 2-6 6-3 6-4.
Seyboth Wild has been embroiled in controversy of his own, though, with the former US Open junior champion refusing to answer questions after being charged with domestic abuse against his ex-girlfriend Thayane Lima in 2022. "I don't think it's a subject we should talk about right here," Seyboth Wild replied. "You can write whatever you want."
