By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday January 14, 2025
Three-time AO finalist Daniil Medvedev found himself down two sets to 418-ranked Thai wild card Kasidit Samrej, but rallied to win in five.
Photo Source: We Are Tennis
When Daniil Medvedev went double set point down in the third set against World No.418 Kasidit Samrej on Day 3, he took out his frustrations on the net cam, smashing his racquet – and the embedded gadget – into oblivion. It didn’t keep him from dropping the set, but eventually Medvedev did wake up to defeat the pesky wild card in five sets, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
How did Medvedev feel about a potential fine for his act of rebellion?
"I hope not too big, because probably, like, the fine is usually for breaking the racquet, and the camera is going to cost some, but I don't think Go Pro is that expensive," he told reporters after his win.
At times unfocused, at others disillusioned, three-time Australian Open finalist Medvedev finally shook off the rust and captured 12 of the final 15 games to book his spot in the second round, where 19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien waits.
Tien, a Southern California native, earned his first ever main draw win at a major on Tuesday, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-3, 5-7 6-4 over Camilo Ugo Carabelli in 3:56.
Samrej, the third Thai male to contest a main draw match at a major, and the first since 2012, had qualified for the Australian Open by winning the Asia-Pacific playoff.
He went beyond three sets for the first time in his professional career, and suffered cramping in the fourth set which made Medvedev’s mission a easier to accomplish. The Russian was playing his first match of the season after spending the holidays at home, where he and his wife welcomed the birth of their second child.
"I'm happy that I managed to stay tough," Medvedev said in his post-match press conference. "I think, in my opinion, I didn't play bad level. I played quite well and will for sure try to play better throughout the tournament."
Medvedev made 17 of his 34 errors in sets two and three, which helped Samrej take control. But credit the 23-year-old Thai for striking the ball with authority and not being intimidated by the big stage of Rod Laver Arena.
Medvedev was in better spirits after locking up the victory. He said this of his talented opponent: “If he plays like this every match.. his life can be good. Money, girls, casino… whatever.”
Medvedev hopes that the victory, clocked in three hours and eight minutes, will help him prepare for the challenges that are sure to come in the next few rounds in Melbourne.
“I know I play better when I play more tennis,” joked the 28-year-old. “So I was like “Why play one hour and 30 minutes? I need minimum three hours at least.”
Medvedev improves to 28-8 lifetime at the Australian Open with his win. He has reached the final at the Australian Open in three of the last four years (2021, 2022, 2024). In 2022 (vs Nadal) and 2024 (vs Sinner) he led two sets to love in the final.
Last year in Melbourne Medvedev spent 24 hours and 17 minutes on court, the most by any player at a single Grand Slam, and won three of four five-set matches.