"Never ever advise anybody to buy this, it's a piece of garbage" - Daniil Medvedev complains about balls used in Miami in QF loss against Hubert Hurkacz

Daniil Medvedev was one win away from replacing Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings for the second time this year, but it was not to be for the Russian. Playing against Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Miami Masters, the Russian succumbed to a 7-6(7), 6-3 loss.

During the match, Medvedev complained about the quality of the balls, suggesting they were not up to the standards expected in a Masters 1000 event.

The 26-year-old went down an early break to begin the first set, and although he managed to recover his rhythm to take it to a tie-break, he was unable to gain the upper hand and lost it 9-7. The second set started off much better for the reigning US Open champion, where he held his first two service games for a 2-1 lead.

But during the changeover, the former World No. 1 brought up his issue with the Dunlop balls being used at the event. Looking straight into a courtside camera, the annoyed Russian told viewers not to buy the balls since they were "a piece of garbage." The 26-year-old was of the opinion that fans would be better off spending their money somewhere else.

"Never ever advise anybody to buy this ball; it's a piece of garbage, you're just gonna lose your money," Medvedev lamented.

Daniil Medvedev went on to lose two of his next three service games to crash out of the event in tame fashion. It should be noted though that the World No. 2 was visibly exhausted during the latter stages of the match, even requesting the help of a physio before his last service game.

Daniil Medvedev will play at the Monte-Carlo Masters next

Daniil Medvedev will now travel to France for the Monte-Carlo Masters

With all the tournaments in the early hardcourt swing done, Daniil Medvedev will shift his focus to the part of the tennis calendar he looks forward to the least -- the clay season.

The World No. 2 is part of the line-up for the Monte-Carlo Masters next month (April 10-17). The ATP 1000 event features a very strong set of competitors, with eight of the top-10 players, including World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Also making a return to the ATP tour at the tournament is three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.

Monte-Carlo has been a rather happy hunting ground for the reigning US Open champion. Medvedev reached the semifinals in 2019, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas and Djokovic before falling to Dusan Lajovic. In the 2021 edition, he had to withdraw at the last minute due to an untimely COVID-19 infection.