Tennis world number three Daniil Medvedev’s fourth-round win at the US Open has been marred by controversy after spending almost 30 minutes in the locker room.

The 2021 US Open winner was a set down against Australian Alex de Minaur before winning the next three sets 6-4, 6-1, and 6-2.

Losing the first set 6-2 in 31 minutes, Medvedev left the court. It is unknown as to why he left, however, he was heard saying that he was struggling to breathe and at one stage in the set called for an inhaler.

Aussie tennis legend Todd Woodbridge questioned the Russian’s extended break on the Australian broadcast of the match, of the belief that Medvedev was employing gamesmanship tactics.

“A 31-minute set, Medvedev leaves the court, took his whole bag … why do you need to leave the court for that long,” he said.

“I think our sport really has to do something about these changeovers. It’s just such a crutch that everyone seems to go to when they’re down, and it’s just not part of the game.”

Following his break, the former world number one won 14 of the last 17 service games to advance to his fourth US Open quarter final. Medvedev will face fellow countrymen Andrey Rublev.

Photo: Daniil Medvedev by Carine06 available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.