A risky Daniil Medvedev mangled his racquet in an epic mood tantrum Tuesday earlier than battling via a five-set curler coaster to remain alive on the Australian Open.
Daniil Medvedev of Russia performs a backhand return to Kasidit Samrej of Thailand throughout their first spherical match on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photograph/Ng Han Guan)(AP)
The feisty Russian, a three-time finalist in Melbourne, misplaced his cool within the third set earlier than rallying to beat unheralded Thai Kasidit Samrej 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 on Rod Laver Enviornment.
Fifth seed Medvedev was 3-5 behind and on the point of going two units to 1 down towards a participant ranked 418 when he exploded, slamming his racquet into the online digital camera repeatedly till they each grew to become a damaged mess.
Ball youngsters needed to sweep up the particles when he misplaced the sport and set, whereas the match was postponed briefly as officers ran repairs on the web.
Medvedev was taking part in his first match because the ATP Finals in November after arriving in Australia late to be at dwelling for the delivery of his second baby.
He pledged earlier than the match to be a “disruptor” towards the large weapons this season, however his stuttering begin towards a participant with no pedigree confirmed he has his work reduce out.
“I play better when I play more tennis so I thought, ‘Why play one hour 30, I need minimum three hours to feel my shots better’,” he joked afterwards.
“But really, second and third set I couldn’t touch the ball. I didn’t know what to do.
“I watched his matches earlier than and did not see this stage, so I used to be shocked.”
The previous world primary broke his opponent’s opening service recreation and was by no means troubled within the first set, racing via it in half-hour.
However the Thai participant, who certified for his Grand Slam debut by successful the Asia-Pacific wildcard playoff occasion, refused to go away.
He shocked the Russian by breaking him at 5-4 to take the second and was nicely on prime within the third earlier than the Medvedev meltdown.
However the 28-year-old is a veteran of five-setters in Melbourne, contesting 4 and successful three final yr, and he regrouped.
Medvedev used his expertise to take cost within the fourth as Samrej started flagging and an early break within the fifth set put victory in sight.
Medvedev has reached three of the final 4 finals in Melbourne.
He was outplayed by Novak Djokovic in 2021 earlier than a heart-wrenching defeat to Rafael Nadal a yr later.
He imploded towards Jannik Sinner final yr, crashing in 5 units after being two up.