Russian Medvedev barked at French chair umpire Renaud Lichtenstein about the recently updated rule that limits players to a maximum of three minutes off the court, with an extra two if they choose to change clothes.
After a tough 6-2 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 7-5 win over American Cressy on a sweltering day at Margaret Court Arena, the second seed said players needed more leeway to freshen up on days of extreme heat.
“The point is I know that in the 35 (degree) heat, if you play in the sun, I want to change after two sets because you get wet,” he told reporters.
“I want to change my shorts, under my shorts, my socks, my shoes. It takes you at least four minutes, and my body wanted to pee after the first set.
“So I don’t see any logic in these rules, so that’s why I can call this stupid.”
After dropping the third set to serve volleyer Cressy, Medvedev became ill-tempered in the fourth when he failed to bring the American serve to eight breakpoints.
But he said he was already in the mood to be placed on the second show court at Margaret Court Arena for a second game in a row, rather than the center court at Rod Laver Arena.
“I was pretty upset today because of a few things,” said the US Open champion, the top seed at Melbourne Park after world number one Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia.
“First of all, I really don’t know what to do to play on center courts in Grand Slams.
“Because I won the last Grand Slam. I mean I’m the highest run here, and playing Maxime would be easier on Rod Laver (Arena), more space.
“If you’re playing on a smaller field, it’s harder to play someone who serves and volleys than on a bigger field.”
Medvedev, last year’s runner-up to Djokovic, will face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in the semifinals.
