Daniil Medvedev destroyed his racket and a net camera in a mid-match meltdown as he survived a huge scare against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej to reach the Australian Open second round yesterday.
The frustrated Russian whacked his racquet five times into the net after dropping serve in the third set before rallying to claim the match 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the afternoon sun at Rod Laver Arena.
The tantrum earned fifth seed Medvedev a code violation for racket abuse and held up play before the fourth set as staff swept up debris from the court.
In the end, the racquet rage was probably a net benefit for Medvedev, who used the pause between sets to regroup before steamrolling the world number 418 Thai in the final sets.
Meanwhile, Australian number one Alex de Minaur recovered quickly after a dip in his level to move into the second round with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 win over dangerous Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
The eighth seed looked every bit a potential champion as he powered through the opening set in 26 minutes conceding only 13 points before tightening his grip with an early break in the next set for a 3-1 lead.
Experience triumphed over potential as Gael Monfils edged Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-4 in an all-French thriller in the first round of the Australian Open 2025.
A packed house on Court Three was treated to three hours and 46 minutes of big serves and winners before 38-year-old Monfils progressed to the second round on his 19th visit to Melbourne Park when his opponent sent a return long.
Big-serving Mpetshi Perricard, who was 18 months old when Monfils made his own Australian Open debut in 2005, played a full part in the contest, winning the ace count 19-18 and the winners contest 69-68. (Agencies)
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