Daniil Medvedev smashed the network camera in a fit of rage during a five-set Australian Open win over lowly-ranked wild card Cassidate Samrej.
Medvedev, who reached the final of the Melbourne tournament 12 months ago, arrived late in Australia after the birth of his second child and was in big trouble against Thai Samraj, ranked No. 418 in the world.
When the 23-year-old won the third set to take a two-set lead, Medvedev repeatedly hit the fifth seed with his racket into the middle of the net, destroying the camera installed there.
But like young American Nishesh Pavaredi, who led Novak Djokovic on Monday, Samraj began to struggle physically and Medvedev struggled to win 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
“I know I play better when I play more tennis,” the Russian player said. “Why play one hour 30? At least three hours.
“In the second and third set, I couldn't touch the ball. At full power, it's all in. I didn't know what to do. If he played like this every game, his life could be good. Money, girls and casino.”
Medvedev regained his composure to qualify for the second round
Samraj earned his wild card with a win in the Asia-Pacific playoff, as he prepared for his Grand Slam debut by training with Djokovic in Thailand last month.
Medvedev struggled during the second half of last season, but he hopes that the newest member of his family will inspire a change in the fortunes of his wife, Daria, who gave birth to their second child days before the Australian Open.
“It just gives me good energy,” he said. “At the end of last year, I probably would have lost this match. New year, new energy, at least for now. I'm happy to win this match.”
Holger Ron He also needed five sets to get past China's Zhang Zhizhen while another match that went the distance saw the veteran Gael Monfils He won the battle against the French against his young compatriot Giovanni Mpiche Pericard.
Mpetshi Perricard is one of the hottest young prospects on the tour and served by some distance the fastest serve of the tournament so far at 144.2mph.
But Monfils, who became the oldest singles title winner on the ATP Tour in Auckland at the weekend, prevailed 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-7 (5), 6-4.
“I don't really look my age,” Monfils said. “It's just a number. Then I try to avoid thinking about it, but I can tell you that tomorrow morning I will be over 48, not 38.”
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz It was much easier, as he defeated his American compatriot Jenson Brooksby 6-2, 6-0, 6-3, while Ben Shelton He defeated Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5 in a strong confrontation between the Americans to achieve his first victory in 2025.
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