Daniil Medvedev was heard asking whether a ball girl would be able to remove his sweat-soaked shirt as he battled cramp in brutal conditions in Shanghai.
The former world number one was embroiled in another grueling match against rising American star Learner Tien, who had beaten him in their previous two encounters.
Medvedev had been forced to retire from their semi-final match at the China Open last week due to cramp - with the ATP later rescinding a 'best effort' violation imposed by the umpire, which had led to an on-court row.
The 29-year-old struggled with cramping during a second-set tie-break against Tien in Shanghai on Wednesday, which contributed to the American forcing the match into a decider.
Medvedev was seen receiving a massage from a physio during the changeover before the third set, with the seated star then seen attempting to remove his sweat-soaked shirt.
Turning to the umpire, Medvedev was heard saying 'Sorry, can I ask the ball girl to remove my shirt, I'm cramping here. I need to change my shirt.'
Medvedev was told,d If someone is happy to do it, with the star responding 'I can try, but I am cramping.
The Russian was ultimately helped by ATP supervisor Gerry Armstrong, with the English official seen peeling off his shirt and placing it behind him. Medvedev was heard thanking the official, who was seen wiping his hands with a towel.
Fans were quick to question Medvedev's request, with one writing, 'Why ask the ball kid to remove his shirt? ' while another added, That's so so disgusting. '
Several noted the exasperated expression of Armstrong when he removed Medvedev's shirt.
'The guy is Gerry Armstrong, longtime umpire and now Tour Supervisor for ATP. He's probably seen his fair share of spoiled players in his career, but someone as childish and arrogant as Medvedev, I'm not sure,' one wrote.
Another said That's Gerry Armstrong, legendary chair umpire, being reduced to a player servant.'
Medvedev ultimately battled through to win 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals, before failing to see Tien as a potential future world No. 1.
The Russian will face Australia's Alex de Minaur in the last eight as he seeks a positive end to a difficult season after several early Grand Slam exits.
