Daniil Medvedev, Russia’s world No. 5 tennis player, drew global attention during the opening round of the Australian Open when he struck a camera mounted on the net with his racket in frustration. The incident, captured on video, has quickly gone viral on social media.
The outburst occurred during Medvedev’s match against Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej, ranked No. 418 in the world. In the third set, with Samrej leading 2-1 in a tight five-set match, Medvedev’s frustrations boiled over. A stroke of luck saw the ball clip the net, forcing Medvedev to scramble and lose his balance. After losing the point, Medvedev vented his anger on the net-mounted camera, striking it with his racket. The umpire intervened with a warning for the 2021 US Open champion.
Despite the tense moment, Medvedev rallied to secure a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Samrej. This was a significant match for the Thai underdog, who came close to achieving the biggest win of his career in his first Grand Slam appearance. Medvedev regained composure in the fourth and fifth sets, showcasing his resilience and skill.
In the post-match interview, Medvedev avoided addressing his impulsive behavior, choosing instead to praise his opponent’s performance.
“If he plays every match like this, his future could be good – money, girls, casinos, anything,” Medvedev joked. “I wish I could play every match like this,” he added with a smile.
The incident has sparked discussion online, with fans debating the intensity of emotions displayed on the court. Meanwhile, Medvedev’s comments and Samrej’s impressive performance have added intrigue to the tournament.
