Russian star Daniil Medvedev called out over bizarre ball girl request

Volatile Russian Daniil Medvedev has been called out over a bizarre request during his fourth-round match at the Shanghai Masters.

Daniil Medvedev has been blasted by fans after a bizarre request for a ball girl to remove his sweat-soaked shirt as he battled brutal conditions in China.

The former world No. 1 was in action in the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters against Learner Tien, The Sun reports.

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The Russian won the match in three sets to book a quarter-final showdown with Australia’s Alex de Minaur.

But in the humid conditions in his match against the American, the 29-year-old Medvedev was seen suffering through a bout of cramp.

Daniil Medvedev had a typically volatile match at the Shanghai Masters. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

During the changeover in the third set, Medvedev was seen receiving a massage from a physio before he attempted to remove a sweat-drenched shirt.

He then turned to the umpire to request help in taking off the shirt.

The Russian was heard saying: “Sorry can I ask the ball girl to remove my shirt, I’m cramping here.

“I need to change my shirt.”

In reply, the umpire said: “If someone is happy to do it.”

To which Medvedev said: “I can try, but I am cramping.”

He was ultimately helped by ATP supervisor Gerry Armstrong, who Medvedev thanked after the English official peeled off the shirt and placed it behind him.

The tennis star then used a towel to wipe up some sweat.

However, his request was questioned by fans on social media.

Medvedev called for a trainer during the match. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

He ultimately got help from an ATP supervisor. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

One fan said: “Who on earth finds this kind of s**t funny? Like seriously man this guy never fails to disappoint.”

A second said: “The face of the guy after removing Med’s shirt, throwing it away and cleaning his hands in the towel lmao.”

A third added: “Still weird he specifically asked for a ball girl to take his shirt off.”

Another went so far as to label him a “freak”.

Medvedev won the match 7-6 6-7 6-4 to advance to the quarter-finals and will play Aussie Alex de Minaur in the final eight later on Friday (AEDT).

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission