Daniil Medvedev went through every emotion in his first round Australian Open match.
The 2024 Australian Open finalist survived a three hour marathon in a five-set match against Kasidit Samrej, the World No.418.
AFPDaniil Medvedev smashed a TV net camera[/caption]
Medevdev is no stranger to marathons in Melbourne, the World No.5 played 24 hours and 17 minutes of tennis at the 2024 Australian Open and eventually lost to lost Jannik Sinner in the final.
The three-time Australian Open finalist had to go the distance again, this time and was nearly part of a historic upset at the Rod Laver Arena after he needed five sets to defeat Samrej.
The match ended 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in Medevdev’s favour but not without a series of on-court moments.
Samrej had never appeared in a major draw and forced out every emotion from Medevdev as the World No.5 erupted on court to smash his racket and destroyed an unfortunately placed net camera.
Medevdev’s camera-destroying racket swings happened in the third set, after he lost an extended rally, the World No.418 would go on to win the third set and take a two-sets-to-one-lead.
Medevdev went up to the net and smashed his racket with full force five times, breaking the small black net-camera that went flying.
The World No.5 received a code violation for racket abuse and was facing elimination with Samrej one set away from winning.
Ultimately, Medvedev would rally to fight back and win the last two sets, securing his second round appearance and joked he prefers to play longer matches.
“I know that I play better when I play more tennis,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview.
“So I was like, ‘why play one hour 30?’ I need a minimum of three hours to feel my shots better, to have a good sensation.”
Medevdev was full of praise for his opponent, though, who received a wild-card entry into the main draw.
“I watched his matches and didn’t see this level, so I was surprised,” acknowledged Medvedev in his on-court interview.
“If he plays like this every match, life can be good… I wish he can play like this every match. [Not] if I’m facing him. You need to be consistent to make it in tennis, and I wish this for him.”
Medvedev finished with 24 aces and claimed the remaining 12 out of 15 games, winning 61 of the 94 points available.
“In the end of last year, this match, I probably would have lost it,” said Medvedev. “New year, new energy.”
Medvedev now has American Learner Tien as his second-round opponent as he bids to reach a fourth Australian Open final.