The Russian, currently ranked world number 10, has long expressed frustration with clay courts, once describing the surface in dismissive terms. That discomfort was evident during a one-sided second-round clash that lasted just 49 minutes. Berrettini, ranked 90th in the world, dominated from the outset, leaving Medvedev struggling to find any rhythm.
After losing the opening set without winning a game, Medvedev's frustration quickly boiled over early in the second set when he was broken again. In a moment that drew reactions from the crowd, he hurled his racquet toward the back of the court. He then retrieved it and smashed it repeatedly against the ground, striking it several times until it broke completely.
The outburst reflected a broader collapse in performance. Over the final stretch of the match, Medvedev managed to win no more than two points across the last 11 games, sealing a rare and emphatic double bagel defeat. His statistics highlighted the struggles, with 28 unforced errors, five double faults and only four points won out of 21 on his second serve.
Medvedev has developed a reputation for emotional reactions on court, including previous incidents such as a heated moment at the US Open when he reacted to a disruption during play. His relationship with clay courts has also been a recurring theme in his career, often speaking openly about his lack of comfort on the surface.
On the other side, Berrettini delivered an exceptional performance. The former Wimbledon finalist, who has been working his way back up the rankings after injury setbacks, described the match as one of the best of his career. He credited his execution and strategy, noting that he made very few mistakes throughout the contest.
Following the match, Berrettini acknowledged the moment with a lighthearted gesture, writing a message on a camera lens in reference to Italian actor Carlo Verdone, who had recently expressed admiration for Medvedev.
Berrettini will next face rising Brazilian talent João Fonseca as he continues his run in the tournament. Meanwhile, another early exit saw Andrey Rublev defeated in straight sets by Zizou Bergs, adding to a challenging day for higher-ranked players.
