Jack Draper makes feelings clear on Daniil Medvedev controversy in Indian Wells defeat

Jack Draper has admitted that he was outperformed by Daniil Medvedev "fair and square" in their Indian Wells quarter-final clash on Wednesday, despite a controversial hindrance call penalising the Briton. The defending champion fell 6-1 7-5 to Medvedev, but it was a cagey moment in the second set which shrouded the headlines more than the result.

Draper was serving at 5-5 0-15 when he seemingly gestured to signal that Medvedev's return was out. Despite this, the rally continued for seven more shots before the Russian hit the net with a backhand. Medvedev then appealed to umpire Aurelie Tourte for a video review with claims of potential hindrance, with the official telling Draper: "You did something different in the rally than you would normally do," before awarding his opponent the point.

Speaking at the net after the match, Medvedev apologised to Draper for any upset caused by his claim, with the Briton fighting his corner and insisting that he hadn't hindered his opponent's play. Medvedev said: "If you're mad at me, I'm sorry," before Draper replied: "I'm not at all - but I don't think it distracted you enough."

Now, speaking to BBC Sport, the 24-year-old has opened up on the controversial call from Tourte, as well as the result itself. He said: "First of all, Daniil was the stronger player fair and square. It’s a difficult situation for the ref.

"I don't think I did enough to hinder him, but at the end of the day, I did make a slight thing with my hands. On one hand, I get it, but on the other, I don't think it was enough to distract Daniil.

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"If he had missed the next ball and it was very clear that I had hindered him, then I would get it. I think he's played the rules quite well. The rally carried on and I was able to win the point, so I don't think I should have lost the point. I think it's pretty harsh."

Medvedev, who will now take on Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the tournament come Saturday, March 14, meanwhile, said that while he didn't feel "good" about the incident, he denied any wrongdoing on his part. He said: "Was I distracted big time? No.

"Was I distracted a bit? Yes. Is it enough to win the point? I don't know. If you look on the first forehand I do after it happened, I think I could have done a better shot if there was no gesture from Jack. Do I feel good about it? Not really, but I also don't feel like I cheated. I let the referee decide."