Daniil Medvedev’s relationship with clay has always been combustible, but on Wednesday, it reached a literal breaking point. In a performance that transitioned from abject to infamous in just 49 minutes, the World No. 10 suffered the first "double bagel" (6-0, 6-0) defeat of his professional career at the hands of Italian wildcard Matteo Berrettini.
The loss was punctuated not by a handshake, but by the sight of Medvedev pulverizing his racket against the Monte Carlo ground six times before clinicaly placing the twisted remnants into a courtside dustbin. For a player who has previously likened playing on the surface to being "like a dog in the dirt," the metaphor finally became reality.
Medvedev, who entered the week on the back of titles in Dubai and Brisbane, looked unrecognizable on Court Rainier III. He failed to earn a single game point on his own serve and appeared to surrender mentally after going a break down in the second set.
While Medvedev imploded, Matteo Berrettini delivered what he described as "one of the best performances of my life." The 2021 Wimbledon finalist, currently clawing his way back up the rankings (World No. 90) after a lengthy injury layoff, was virtually untouchable.
I think I missed three shots in the entire match... The game plan was perfect and my weapons were working.
Matteo Berrettini
"Weapons": Berrettini’s massive forehand and clinical slice dismantled Medvedev’s rhythm.
Apology: After the match, Berrettini wrote "Scusa Carlo" on the camera lens, a humorous apology to Italian actor Carlo Verdone, who had declared Medvedev his favorite player earlier in the week.
Medvedev’s outburst has reignited the discussion surrounding player conduct and mental health on tour. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka recently backed the concept of off-camera "rage rooms" where players can vent without being broadcast worldwide, a suggestion made following Coco Gauff’s recent racket-smashing incident in Melbourne.
"Dog in the dirt": Medvedev’s career-long disdain for clay was evident; he won no more than two points in each of the final 11 games.
Rublev out: The Russian misery continued as World No. 15 Andrey Rublev also crashed out, losing 6-4, 6-1 to Belgium's Zizou Bergs.
Next for Berrettini: The Italian moves into a Round of 16 clash against Brazilian teenage sensation Joao Fonseca, who upset Arthur Rinderknech.
History made: This was the first time Berrettini has ever recorded a 6-0, 6-0 win at the tour level.
