An Unexpected Challenger at the Australian Open
Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed and former US Open champion, found himself in an unexpectedly intense battle during his Australian Open first-round clash against Kasidit Samrej. The Russian, 28, entered the tournament with a high ranking and a recent life-changing event under his belt—the birth of his second child with wife Daria. Despite his lack of warm-up tournaments and a late arrival in Australia, Medvedev was widely expected to cruise through his first match. However, Samrej, a 23-year-old ranked 418th in the world, had other plans.
The Match Begins with Promising Signs
The first set saw Medvedev taking control, comfortably winning 6-2. However, Samrej’s performance in the second set was nothing short of remarkable. The Thai player raised his game significantly, surprising many by clinching the set 6-4. This unexpected turn of events began to rattle the Russian, setting the stage for a dramatic third set. As Samrej continued to play well above his ranking, the pressure on Medvedev mounted. When the underdog served for the third set, Medvedev’s frustration boiled over.
A Moment of Frustration and Rage
At 30-15, with Samrej serving for the third set, Medvedev was forced to scramble across the baseline. A forehand that clipped the net cord and a subsequent passing shot by Samrej sent Medvedev into a furious outburst. In a moment of rage, he took four violent swings at the net with his racquet, inadvertently hitting the camera installed there. The impact was so severe that the camera, which was recording the match, switched off. Despite Samrej’s apologetic gestures, the damage was done, and the incident drew immediate attention from both the audience and the umpire.
Samrej’s Staggering Lead and Medvedev’s Comeback
Samrej’s strong play continued, and he managed to hold his serve, securing a stunning two-sets-to-one lead over the higher-ranked Medvedev. The underdog’s performance was a testament to his talent and determination. However, Medvedev, known for his resilience and mental fortitude, managed to regroup. He rallied in the fourth and fifth sets, winning them 6-1 and 6-2 respectively, to clinch a hard-fought victory and advance to round two.
Medvedev’s Post-Match Reflections
In his on-court interview, Medvedev showed a remarkable level of graciousness and admiration for his opponent. He acknowledged Samrej’s impressive performance, stating, "I watched his matches and I didn’t see this level. I was surprised." Medvedev’s words carried a mix of respect and a hint of sarcasm, as he added, "If he plays like this every match, his life can be good. Money, girls, casino, whatever. If he doesn’t, he’s not going to have it. Maybe not in tennis, he’s going to make it otherwise." His comments highlighted the high caliber of play from Samrej and the unexpected challenge he presented.
Looking Forward to Round Two
Despite the initial setback and the emotional turmoil, Medvedev’s victory sets him up for a second-round clash against American qualifier Learner Tien. The 19-year-old Tien earned his maiden Grand Slam win by defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 4-6, 7-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. As Medvedev prepares for this next match, the experience of facing such a determined underdog in the first round will likely serve as a valuable reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis. The Russian will need to channel his frustration and focus on delivering a more consistent performance to advance further in the tournament.
