In an exhilarating opening to the Australian Open 2025, world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev faced an unexpected challenge from Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej. The first-round match turned into a gripping five-set battle that tested both players’ limits and left the audience on the edge of their seats.
A Tense Match Filled with Emotion
The match began as Medvedev, a seasoned player and three-time Australian Open finalist, took control. However, things took a turn as Samrej, competing in his first Grand Slam and ATP Tour event, showcased impressive skills that shocked the crowd. Samrej came close to knocking out the much higher-ranked Medvedev, winning two sets and making the match intense and dramatic.
The Frustration of a Champion
As the tension mounted, Medvedev’s frustration became evident. In a moment of anger, he lost his cool and smashed a net camera, a reminder that even the best players can struggle under pressure. This outburst didn’t help his focus immediately, but after the brief distraction, Medvedev refocused his energy and roared back to take control of the final sets.
A Comeback Victory
After dropping the second and third sets with scores of 4-6 and 3-6, Medvedev gathered himself and turned the match around, finishing strong with scores of 6-1 and 6-2 in the last two sets. Ultimately, he celebrated his victory with a final score of 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. Despite the win, Medvedev was not shy to mention how physically taxing the match had been—especially as it was his fourth consecutive five-set match at the Australian Open.
Notable Upset Avoided
This nail-biting encounter was nearly historic for another reason: had he lost, it would have ranked as one of the biggest upsets in tennis history, surpassing upsets involving legends like Rafael Nadal and Juan Carlos Ferrero. With his victory, Medvedev avoided the embarrassment of being defeated by a player ranked 418th in the world, securing his place in the tournament and the respect that comes with it.
What’s Next for Medvedev?
As Medvedev moves on to the next round, tennis fans are buzzing with excitement about his performance. Will he be able to maintain his composure and confidence in his future matches? Only time will tell. But for now, he’s proven that even when the odds are stacked against him, he has the heart of a champion. And with a cheering crowd and grand dreams, the Australian Open continues to unfold, promising more surprises for all who follow the sport.
| Players | Match Score | Round |
|---|---|---|
| Daniil Medvedev | 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 | First Round |
| Kasidit Samrej | 6-4, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2, 2-6 | First Round |