INDIAN WELLS: Jack Draper was penalized with a controversial handicap call while Daniil Medvedev ended the Briton’s title defence

Draper said afterward that he was not angry with Medvedev and did not blame him.

“First of all, Daniel was the stronger player, fair and square,” the 24-year-old told BBC Sport.

“It’s a difficult situation for the referee. I don’t think I did enough to block him, but at the end of the day I did a simple thing with my hand.

“On the one hand, I understand that, but on the other hand, I don’t think it was enough to distract Danielle.

“If he misses the next ball and it’s very clear I tripped him, I’ll get it.

“I think he adhered to the rules well. The lead kept going and I was able to win the point, so I don’t think I should have lost the point. I think it’s too harsh.”

Medvedev, who will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, said he did not feel “comfortable” about the incident but denied committing cheating.

“Were you distracted for a long time? No,” the world number 11 said.

“Was I a little distracted? Yes. Is it enough to win the point? I don’t know.

“If I look at my first forehand after the fact, I think I could have made a better shot if there wasn’t a signal from Jack.

“Do I feel good about it? Not really, but I also don’t feel like I cheated. I let the referee decide.”