Thunderbolt at the Australian Open! Daniil Medvedev, big favorite for the tournament, is in great difficulty facing an opponent ranked 418th in the world. Will the Russian manage to turn the tide?
The Australian Open offers us its first sensation! Daniil Medvedev, world number 5 and big favorite for the tournament, is in great difficulty against the unknown Thai Samrej, only 418th in the ATP. A complicated start to the competition for the Russian, to say the least.
Medvedev caught cold by a surprising opponent
No one could have predicted such a scenario. Daniil Medvedev, three-time finalist at the Australian Open, is led two sets to one by a player few people knew of until a few hours ago. Samrej, modest 418th in the world, defied all predictions by getting the best start in this first round.
The Thai took advantage of Medvedev’s numerous mistakes and apathy to pocket the second and third sets, much to the chagrin of the Russian who did not hide his frustration. Gilles Cervara’s student will have to quickly pull himself together if he wants to avoid elimination from the start.
Medvedev in search of benchmarks
Obviously lacking rhythm, Daniil Medvedev is not at the level we know him to be. His recent fatherhood and his lack of competition at the start of the year seem to weigh heavily. The world number 5 commits far too many unforced errors and struggles to impose his characteristic game.
For his part, Samrej demonstrates impressive striking quality and an ability to seize his chance, which is disconcerting given his ranking. Solid in his take-off, he puts constant pressure on the Russian and was able to break at important moments.
The first results of the Australian fortnight
This epic encounter between Medvedev and Samrej somewhat overshadows the other matches of the night. We will still remember the qualification in 5 sets of Gaël Monfils against the French wild card Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, at the end of a big fight.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Elena Rybakina faced local Emerson Jones. Also note the convincing victory of Emma Raducanu against Ekaterina Alexandrova in two tie-breaks.
The tempting program of the day
The Australians will be in the spotlight this Tuesday, including the highly anticipated match between local number 1 Alex de Minaur and the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. A duel that promises to be electric on the Rod Laver Arena.
The public at the John Cain Arena will also vibrate for Alexei Popyrin, opposed to the Frenchman Corentin Moutet. Andrey Rublev will also be there against the talented Brazilian Joao Fonseca at the end of the program.
But all eyes will be on the center court where Daniil Medvedev will try to put out the fire against the revelation Samrej. One thing is certain, the Russian will have to considerably raise his level of play if he wants to see the second round of his favorite tournament. Response in a few hours!
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