Former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev has been slapped with a €6,000 (approximately $7,000) fine for unsportsmanlike behavior after infamously smashing his racket seven times during a staggering 6-0, 6-0 defeat against Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, as confirmed by the ATP Tour to The Associated Press on Monday.
Currently ranked 10th, Medvedev received a code violation from the chair umpire for his explosive actions early in the second set during Wednesday’s match.
While the fine may seem hefty, it pales in comparison to the $76,000 and $42,500 penalties he faced for outbursts at the Australian Open and U.S. Open last year, respectively.
Having received a first-round bye, Medvedev’s prize money from the Monte Carlo tournament amounted to €45,520 ($50,000).
At 30 years old, the Russian star found himself in a tough spot as he netted a forehand to lose his opening service game of the second set, quickly falling behind 2-0. In a fit of frustration, he smashed his racket near the baseline, then hurled the broken frame toward a tarp at the end of the court.
Yet he wasn’t done just yet; Medvedev continued to pick up and destroy his racket until it was mangled enough to fit into a courtside trash can, all while the crowd sarcastically cheered along.
The 2021 U.S. Open champion’s misery was complete as he succumbed to defeat in just 49 minutes.
