To be honest, the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal between Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune, which was played in windy conditions that prevented play at its best, wasn’t really memorable. Both the Russian’s victory and the brief altercation between the two players at the net at the opening of the second set will go down in history.

The tale of a player lighting up the opponent at the net at point-blank range is a common one, almost as old as tennis itself. With many gestures to support his feelings and, as an added bonus, a little impersonation of the Dane’s tight shorts, Medvedev made it clear to Rune that he didn’t like the way he was treating him.

Medvedev was unaware that Rune had offered an apology until Carlos Bernardes, the umpire, informed him that everything had been rectified.

The world No. 4 remarked, “It is what it is,” and continued, “I got a ball in me for sure, which is not a problem, this can happen. I didn’t see him say sorry.” Typically, something like “Sorry, sorry!” He did it; I just didn’t see it.

“I was unaware,” he said, apologizing. I get irrational and angry. I am informed by Carlos that he has expressed regret. I apologize for not seeing you apologize. Everything is finished. I do not believe that this story will go on.

Maybe it was also a means for Medvedev, as he frequently does, to raise his game, unleash his full potential, and ultimately prevail and advance to the semi-finals (against Tommy Paul). Since his triumph in Rome last year—which also happens to be his only championship to date—this will be his first Masters 1000.