INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Daniil Medvedev advanced to the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, defeating defending champion Jack Draper 6-1, 7-5 in a match overshadowed by a contentious hindrance call. The incident, occurring late in the second set, sparked debate among players, officials and fans alike, with Medvedev acknowledging he was “a little” disturbed but firmly denying any wrongdoing.
The controversy unfolded at 5-5 in the second set, with Draper serving at 0-15. After a Medvedev backhand landed in the net, Draper raised his arms in a gesture indicating he believed the ball was out. Medvedev immediately appealed to the chair umpire, Aurélie Tourte, requesting a video review, alleging Draper’s movement had distracted him. After reviewing the footage, Tourte awarded the point to Medvedev, a decision that visibly frustrated Draper and drew boos from the California crowd.
“If he had missed right after, I would have understood, but we played a few more shots after that,” Draper explained to Sky Sports following the match. “He has the right to ask for the video review when the point is finished,” Tourte responded to Draper during the match, according to reports. The call ultimately proved pivotal, as Medvedev broke Draper’s serve and went on to close out the set and the match.
Despite the contentious moment, Draper remained composed in his post-match comments. “Is that the reason I lost? Absolutely not,” he stated. “Daniil was far and away the better player. The umpire had a difficult decision to make. I think I was a little bit hard done by, but my opinion is obviously subjective.”
Medvedev, who is seeking his first Indian Wells title after reaching the final twice previously, acknowledged the incident affected him, but defended his actions. “If you look at my first shot [after Draper’s gesture], I could have done better, I was a little disturbed,” Medvedev said in his press conference. “Was I a lot disturbed? No. A little? Yes. … Do I experience good about all of this? Not entirely. But I don’t think I cheated either.”
The match itself saw Medvedev dominate the first set, racing to a 6-1 victory. Draper, visibly fatigued after his grueling three-set win over Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 just 24 hours prior, struggled to identify his rhythm. The second set proved more competitive, but Medvedev’s consistent pressure and the controversial call ultimately proved decisive.
Medvedev’s form at the tournament has been impressive, arriving in Indian Wells on an eight-match winning streak after securing the title in Dubai. He has now won 16 consecutive sets, demonstrating a level of play that makes him a strong contender for the championship. He has been particularly effective with his flat backhand, consistently directing the ball into his opponent’s forehand corner.
The win sets up a semifinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz, a rematch of their thrilling 2022 Wimbledon semifinal. Alcaraz advanced after defeating Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4, ending British interest in the singles draw. The match promises to be a captivating encounter between two of the top players in the world, with Alcaraz aiming to continue his impressive run of form and Medvedev looking to deny the Spaniard a first Indian Wells title.
The incident involving Draper and Medvedev has reignited the debate surrounding the “hindrance” rule in tennis. The rule, designed to prevent players from deliberately distracting their opponents, is often subject to interpretation, and the use of video review has added another layer of complexity. While Medvedev was within his rights to request a review, the decision to award him the point remains a point of contention.
The atmosphere inside Stadium 2 was charged, with the crowd expressing their displeasure with the call. Medvedev was booed during the changeovers and after securing the victory, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the incident. Despite the hostile reception, Draper maintained his sportsmanship, shaking hands with both Medvedev and Tourte before leaving the court.
Looking ahead, Medvedev will need to put the controversy behind him as he prepares to face Alcaraz. The Spaniard is in excellent form and will pose a significant challenge. For Draper, despite the disappointing end to his title defense, the tournament represents a positive step forward, demonstrating his ability to compete with the best players in the world. He will undoubtedly learn from this experience and continue to develop his game.
The BNP Paribas Open continues with the semifinals on Friday, culminating in the men’s and women’s finals on Sunday. Fans can follow all the action live on Tennis Channel and streaming services.
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