Daniil Medvedev, a veteran of Grand Slam battles against legends like Rafael Nadal, certainly knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. Yet, he encountered a formidable opponent at this year’s Australian Open right from the start. Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej pushed Medvedev to the brink in a five-set marathon, leaving the Russian visibly impressed. Despite the victory, Medvedev couldn’t help but humorously acknowledge Samrej’s impressive display and predict a promising future for the young talent.

The three-time Melbourne finalist, Daniil Medvedev, started on a great footing. However, his mid-match struggles were evident in the second and third sets. Taking advantage of this, Samrej, making his Grand Slam debut, showcased some powerful baseline gameplay while adding marvelous drop-shots to corner Medvedev. Nonetheless, Medvedev gained control and eventually came out victorious.

And when it’s Medvedev on the court, one predictable thing is entertainment. Be it, in his compatriot Andrey Rublev’s words, his ‘Octopus’ style gameplay, or his on-court outbursts. This time, however, Samrej pushed him to showcase both of these sides.

Exasperated after the grueling match, Daniil Medvedev commended Samrej for his astounding gameplay during the post-match interview. With a shocked face, he stated, “I watched his matches and didn’t see this level, so I was surprised.” However, with a mischievous smile creeping in, he stated,

“If he plays like this every match, his life can be good. Money, girls, casino,… whatever, if he plays like this every match. If he doesn’t, then he’s not gonna have it. Maybe not in tennis. He’s gonna make it otherwise. But yeah, I wish he can play like this every match.”

Well, Medvedev’s post-match humor contrasted sharply with his on-court frustration.

Daniil Medvedev loses control while being tested by a Grand Slam debutant

The match that once started in Medvedev’s control(with him winning the first set, 6-2) turned very quickly on the underdog’s side. The world no. 418 broke his opponent’s serve to a tie after winning the second set. In the face of today’s challenge, Medvedev lost his cool after being left behind in the third set.

According to Infosys Stats, Daniil Medvedev showed  34 unforced errors, which is very unlike him. Out of which, 17 came during the second and third sets.

The Thai player managed to gain control of the third set by going in for some enthralling back-and-forth near the net. As Medvedev lunged in his final attempt to save the set, the ball went past him. Losing his calm, he eventually destroyed a net camera while smashing his racquet in the middle of the net. This eventually gained him boos from the crowd and a warning from the chair umpire.

As the fifth set commenced, fatigue began to take its toll on Samrej. At the end of the fourth set, he requested a medical timeout to address debilitating cramps in his left thigh. The medical team swiftly responded, administering pickle juice as a potential remedy. Medvedev gained control and took the hard-earned victory home.

Now, Medvedev is set to play against Learner Tien in the second round of the Australian Open. Yet another Australian Open debutant will meet the Russian tennis star.