This was the controversial refereeing decision that tilted the match in favor of Medvedev in his duel with Draper

Andrés Tomás Rico | 13 Mar 2026 | 03.18

This was the controversial refereeing decision that tipped the match in favor of Medvedev in his clash with Draper. Photo: Gettyimages.

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There is no Daniil Medvedev match without some controversy. This time it was in his Indian Wells 2026 quarterfinal against Jack Draper and at a crucial moment in the match. The score was tied at 5-5 in the second set, after the Russian won the first set 6-1, and the Briton was serving at 0-15. During the exchange, a shot from Medvedev narrowly touched the line, surprising Draper who made some gestures with his arms. However, the point continued, and when the Russian hit the ball into the net, he appealed to the umpire to replay the point or call 'hindrance', as according to him, the Englishman's gesture had distracted him, and he requested the Var.

After the umpire reviewed the play, she called 'hindrance' against Draper, thus awarding the point to the Russian. The Briton couldn't believe it, as he considered it a natural movement and argued with the Russian, who insisted that he had been distracted. From that moment on, Draper only won three more points and lost the match 6-1, 7-5. In fact, at the net, they both discussed, with great respect, the controversial decision that determined the match.

Here was the exchange at the net:

Draper: “I don't think my gesture distracted you”

Medvedev: “Maybe, but I asked for it”

Draper: “You beat me fair and square, but I don't think it bothered you in that point”

Medvedev: “I don't feel good about it” https://t.co/7pmcUYSp1F
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) March 13, 2026