Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev barely passes world no. 418!

Former Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev survived the first-round scare in Melbourne! The fifth seed confronted world no. 418 Kasidit Samrej on Rod Laver Area and prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in three hours and eight minutes. 

The Thai participant skilled with Novak Djokovic in December. He discovered his classes and ready effectively for his Main debut on the massive scene. Samrej outplayed Medvedev in units two and three earlier than the extra skilled participant took cost and prevented a shocker.

Daniil grew to become a father for the second time a few days in the past, arriving in Melbourne late and lacking invaluable observe classes. Nevertheless, he discovered a approach to overcome an impressed rival and make a successful begin. 

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025

The Russian performed unbelievable tennis behind the primary serve, firing 24 aces and taking 53 of 58 factors! His second serve additionally labored effectively, however he nonetheless trailed two units to 1. That is how effectively his rival hit in units two and three! Daniil landed 48 winners and 34 unforced errors.

Kasidit sprayed nearly 70 unforced errors, dropping floor after the third set. The Thai participant transformed two break factors within the units he received. Then again, Daniil grabbed six breaks from 13 alternatives, dominating the units he claimed. 

Daniil Medvedev & Kasidit Samrej, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Medvedev made the largest distinction within the shortest exchanges as much as 4 strokes, whereas his rival fought extra effectively within the extra prolonged ones. The previous finalist performed flawless tennis within the opening set. World no. 418 hit a double fault within the first recreation and dropped serve. 

Daniil supplied three high-quality holds for 4-2 and made one other push on the return in recreation seven. He drew the rival’s mistake with a deep return for a break and a 5-2 lead. The favourite closed the opener with a maintain at love in recreation eight, transferring 6-2 up after half an hour. 

Samrej raised his degree within the second set and delivered 5 comfy holds. Medvedev saved two break factors within the sixth recreation and served to remain within the set at 4-5. Kasidit stepped in and generated two set factors with valiant hitting. 

Daniil Medvedev, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Thai participant compelled one other mistake from his rival on the primary, taking the set 6-4 and leveling the general rating after an hour and quarter-hour. They served effectively within the opening six video games of the third set earlier than the lower-ranked participant skilled points. 

Kasidit denied three break factors at 3-3 and gained a lift. The Russian hit a double fault within the eighth recreation, struggling a break and falling 5-3 behind. Samrej served for the set in recreation 9 and wasted two set factors. 

World no. 418 saved a break level and seized the fourth set level with a forehand down the road winner, transferring two units to 1 in entrance! Medvedev displayed frustration within the final recreation, destroying the web digicam together with his racquet and receiving a code violation. 

Kasidit Samrej & Daniil Medvedev, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Daniil saved a break level within the third recreation of the fourth set and gathered confidence. World no. 5 broke the rival’s serve in video games 4 and 6 for a 5-1 lead. Medvedev landed an ace in recreation seven, taking the set 6-1 and forcing a decider after two hours and 37 minutes. 

The higher-ranked participant rattled off 15 factors behind the preliminary shot within the decider, and his rival couldn’t sustain that tempo. Kasidit suffered a break within the first recreation and located himself 4-2 behind. Daniil made one other push on the return within the seventh recreation. 

World no. 5 grabbed a break with a drop shot winner and served for the win at 5-2. The Russian landed an ace for 3 match factors and seized the primary to seal the deal and transfer on.