Daniil Medvedev Admits Mixed Feelings Following Controversial Hindrance Ruling in Indian Wells Quarter-Final Against Jack Draper

Watch the exchange between Daniil Medvedev and Jack Draper after a controversial hindrance call at Indian Wells 2026. Medvedev admits he "didn't feel great" about the point.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 10:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Hindrance Ruling Decides Pivotal Second Set

The match between Daniil Medvedev and defending champion Jack Draper reached a boiling point at 5-5 in the second set. On Draper's serve at 15-0, the Brit was called for a hindrance following a gesture during a rally. Chair umpire Aurelie Tourte utilized a video review to confirm the penalty, awarding the point to Medvedev. The decision proved to be a turning point, as Medvedev secured a break of serve in that game before successfully serving out the match to set up a semi-final clash with world number one Carlos Alcaraz.

Handshake Exchange: "I Don't Think It Distracted You"

Despite the tension of the moment, the post-match exchange at the net was marked by a candid and civil dialogue between the two competitors. Medvedev expressed immediate regret, offering an apology if Draper was upset by his decision to request the review. Draper, while maintaining that Medvedev won "fair and square," challenged the idea that the gesture caused a genuine distraction. The exchange highlighted a mutual respect, with Medvedev admitting he "didn't feel great" about the way the point was settled, while Draper insisted the momentum of the match should not have been altered by the call.

Medvedev’s Reflection: "Was I Distracted? Yes."

In his post-match press conference, Medvedev provided further context on his decision-making process. He admitted that, in hindsight, he should have stopped the point immediately rather than waiting for the rally to conclude. However, he maintained that his subsequent forehand was impacted by Draper's gesture, leading to a "tiny bit" of distraction. Medvedev noted that he left the final decision entirely to the referee, stating that while he didn't feel like he "cheated," he acknowledged the complexity of the ruling in such a high-pressure situation.