World no. 5 Daniil Medvedev escaped a shocking exit in the Australian Open first round! The fomer finalist in Melbourne faced world no. 418 Kasidit Samrej at the start of the tournament and prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in three hours and eight minutes.
Samrej made an impressive Major debut on Rod Laver Arena. He outplayed Medvedev in sets two and three and generated a break chance at the beginning of the fourth. Daniil saved it and took charge, sailing over the top and avoiding a stunner.
Struggling to overcome a low-ranked opponent, the Russian lost his temper in the ninth game of the third set, smashing the net camera with his racquet and receivcing a code violation.
Medvedev not too happy being two sets to one down to the world number 418 😳😳😂@Certinfy @pavyg pic.twitter.com/TqL2sS9Pnc
— _ (@cfcj_j) January 14, 2025
Kasidit produced a little miracle after taking two sets from the rival who claimed 53 of 58 points behind the first serve! The Thai player could not keep up with that pace in sets four and five, spraying almost 70 unforced errors and pushing world no. 5 through.
Medvedev dropped serve two times, which cost him dearly. However, he dominated the sets he won, creating 13 break chances and converting six. Daniil took charge in the quickest rallies up to four shots, earning his win in that segment.
The former Major champion made a reliable start and had the upper hand in the first set. He clinched a break in the first game after Samrej’s double fault. Medvedev served well for 4-2 and stepped in on the return again.
Daniil Medvedev, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Russian drew the Thai’s mistake and moved 5-2 in front with his second break. Daniil held at love in game eight and clinched the opener in half an hour. Suddenly, Kasidit raised his level in the second set, playing much better than his rival suggests.
World no. 418 provided five comfortable holds and pressured the favorite. Medvedev denied two break points at 2-3 and stayed in touch. He served to stay in the set at 4-5 and faced two set points. Samrej seized the first with a forced error, clinching the set 6-4 and gaining confidence.
Daniil Medvedev, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Russian had a chance to turn the tables with a break in game seven. He squandered three break points and sent momentum to the other side. The Thai grabbed a break in the next one after a double fault from world no. 5, moving 5-3 up.
World no. 418 wasted two set points and offered Medvedev a break chance. Kasidit denied it and converted the fourth set point with a forehand down the line winner, taking two sets to one lead and moving closer to a shocker. Daniil unleashed his fury in the final game, which helped him.
Medvedev faced a break point at 1-1 in the fourth set. He saved it and held, turning the tables and never looking back. The Russian provided two breaks in games four and six for a 5-1 advantage. World no. 5 completed the set with an ace in game seven and forced a decider.
Kasidit Samrej, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Kasifit experienced a break in the first game and found himself in a tough position. Daniil produced one good hold after another and kept the pressure on the other side. Medvedev landed a drop shot winner in the seventh game, securing another break and moving 5-2 up.
The former finalist held at love in the eighth game, rattling off 15 points on serve and moving into the second round.
Tennis World USA