DANIIL MEDVEDEV has been blasted by fans after a bizarre request for a ballgirl to remove his sweat-soaked shirt as he battled brutal conditions in China.
The former world No1 was in action in the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters against Learner Tien.
But in the humid conditions in his match against the American on Wednesday, the 29-year-old was seen suffering through a bout of cramp.
During the changeover in the third set, Medvedev was seen receiving a massage from a physio before he attempted to remove a sweat-drenched shirt.
He then turned to the umpire to request help in taking off the shirt.
The Russian was heard saying: “Sorry can I ask the ball girl to remove my shirt, I’m cramping here.
“I need to change my shirt.”
In reply, the umpire said: “If someone is happy to do it.”
To which Medvedev said: “I can try, but I am cramping.”
He was ultimately helped by ATP supervisor Gerry Armstrong, who Medvedev thanked after the English official peeled off the shirt and placed it behind him before the tennis star used a towel to wipe up some sweat.
However, his request was questioned by fans on social media.
One fan said: “Who on earth finds this kind of s*** funny? Like seriously man this guy never fails to disappoint.”
A second said: “The face of the guy after removing Med’s shirt, throwing it away and cleaning his hands in the towel lmao.”
A third added: “Still weird he specifically asked for a ballgirl to take his shirt off.”
Another went so far as to label him as a “freak”.
Medvedev won the match 7-6 6-7 6-4 to advance to the quarter-finals.
He will play Alex de Minaur in the match tomorrow.
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