Daniil Medvedev’s Playful Nod to Infamous “Small Cat” Meltdown with Umpire Jaume Campistol
Daniil Medvedev, known for his fiery competitiveness and sharp sense of humor, recently revisited one of the most infamous moments of his tennis career: his heated exchange with chair umpire Jaume Campistol during the 2022 Australian Open semifinal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Russian tennis star humorously wished Campistol “a peaceful retirement,” despite there being no official announcement about the umpire stepping down. The cheeky remark instantly garnered attention, bringing back memories of Medvedev’s intense and unforgettable outburst during that match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Infamous “Small Cat” Incident
Medvedev’s clash with Campistol occurred during a high-stakes semifinal match against Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas. The tension boiled over when Medvedev became convinced that Tsitsipas’ father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, was providing coaching from the player’s box—an action prohibited under tennis rules. Medvedev, then visibly frustrated, directed his ire at Campistol for what he perceived as inaction. The confrontation produced one of the most memorable rants in tennis history.
“His father can talk every point? Bro, are you stupid? His father can talk every point?! His father can talk every point?!” Medvedev shouted at the umpire. The Russian’s exasperation peaked when he added, “If you don’t [penalize him], you are a—how can I call it—a small cat.”
The comment immediately went viral, becoming a highlight of Medvedev’s colorful on-court persona. While his frustration was palpable, the unorthodox choice of insult left fans and commentators bemused, adding an element of comedy to the intense moment.
Reflecting on the Outburst
Despite his meltdown, Medvedev regained composure to defeat Tsitsipas 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, securing a spot in the Australian Open final. However, in his post-match press conference, the Russian admitted that his behavior during the match was far from ideal.
“You guys are laughing, so I think we can say it was funny, but I was definitely out of my mind,” Medvedev said, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. “I was not controlling myself anymore about anything, and that’s actually why I’m really happy to win, because many matches like this I would just go on to make mistakes. You lose your concentration a lot when you get into this heat-of-the-moment thing.”
Medvedev also expressed regret over the “small cat” comment, noting that his emotions had gotten the better of him. “I regret it all the time because I don’t think it’s nice. I know that every referee is trying to do their best. But tennis is a fight—it’s one-on-one against another player. I can get really emotional, and I’ve been working on it. So many matches I handle it. But again, in the heat of the moment, I just lost it.”
Medvedev’s Journey Since the Incident
While Medvedev overcame Tsitsipas to book his place in the final, his tournament ended in heartbreak. Facing Rafael Nadal in the final, Medvedev raced to a two-set lead and appeared to be cruising to his second Grand Slam title. Early in the third set, he had three break points that could have sealed the match. However, Nadal mounted an extraordinary comeback, winning 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in Australian Open history.
The loss left Medvedev emotionally drained. Reflecting on the crowd’s overwhelming support for Nadal, the Russian admitted it had affected him deeply. “The kid stopped dreaming,” Medvedev said, describing his feelings after the defeat. The comment underscored the toll that high-pressure matches and external factors can have on even the world’s best players.
Revisiting the Past on Social Media
Fast forward to 2024, and Medvedev seems to have found humor in the incident that once left him seething. Sharing his reflections on X, the 2021 US Open champion posted: “Man, a lot of fun memories on the tennis court 😂😂. Wishing you a peaceful retirement.” While Campistol has not announced plans to retire, Medvedev’s playful jab shows how much his perspective has evolved.
The post quickly gained traction, with fans sharing their amusement and recalling the “small cat” moment. Many praised Medvedev for his ability to laugh at himself, a trait that has endeared him to tennis fans worldwide.
Medvedev’s Growth as a Player and Person
Since the 2022 Australian Open, Medvedev has continued to demonstrate why he is one of the most formidable players on tour. Known for his unorthodox playing style, relentless baseline game, and tactical intelligence, Medvedev has consistently challenged the sport’s elite. However, he has also made strides in managing his emotions, a journey he has openly discussed.
“I think if we look back at myself five years ago, I was just insanely crazy on the court,” Medvedev admitted. “Now I’ve been working on it. Helps me win matches, I know. But it’s a process, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.”
This maturity was evident earlier this year when Medvedev faced another grueling five-set match, this time against Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open. Although he ultimately lost, his composed demeanor throughout the contest reflected the growth of a player who once struggled to contain his frustrations.
A Legacy of Passion and Entertainment
Medvedev’s “small cat” meltdown will undoubtedly remain a memorable chapter in his career, illustrating the passion and intensity he brings to the sport. However, his ability to look back on such moments with humor and perspective is a testament to his growth both as a competitor and as a person.
As Medvedev continues to navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis, fans can expect more unforgettable moments—both on and off the court. For now, his lighthearted tribute to Jaume Campistol reminds us why he remains one of the game’s most compelling and relatable figures.