Carlos Bernardes, the ‘nice’ ATP referee who angered Daniil Medvedev

“You’re telling me something scandalous, Carlos.”. The phrase, perhaps, is one of the most remembered among the hundreds that are uttered in the hundreds of discussions between tennis players and referees. This one, in particular, came out of the Spaniard’s mouth Rafael Nadal in a match against the Czech Thomas Berdych in the Masters. And the Carlos in question was the Brazilian Bernardesperhaps one of the most recognized judges on the circuit.

There are some referees who stand out more than others for the way they relate to the players or for their charisma. And Bernardes of Sao Paulo appears, the same one who had a tough match with the Russian Daniil Medvedev on Thursday and who at the end of the year will put an end to his long career that began at international level in 1992.

Bernardes, whose fame led him to take photos with the Argentine fans every time he came to Buenos Aires, coached all the greats (Djokovic, Federer, Murray and Nadal himself, of course) in all the major finals (Grand Slams and Masters) but also experienced controversial situations. And there are other extensive discussions with Carlos Berlocqthe Russian Marat Safinthe Spanish Alexander Davidovichthe Australian Nick Kyrgios and Danish Rune HolgerFor example.

Beyond these counterpoints, Bernardes does not forget the solidarity he received from the players when in January 2021, in the midst of the Covid 19 bubble in a Melbourne hotel, he suffered a heart attack and miraculously escaped.

They say that, while he was in the hospital, he watched the video on YouTube with the famous “You’re telling me something scandalous, Carlos.”. And he smiled.