New Delhi: Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev made some bizarre remarks as he lavished praise on his opponent Kasidit Samrej after beating him in a five-setter in the first round of the Australian Open 2025 on Tuesday. Samrej made life difficult for the Russian, who avoided a huge upset by registering a come-from-behind victory in his opening match in the tournament.
Three-time Australian Open finalist Medvedev lost the first set 2-6 but bounced back to clinch a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6 victory against the 23-year-old from Thailand. Samrej, ranked 418, surprisingly dominated the proceedings against the fifth-seeded Russian as he won the second set 2-6, earning a huge applause from the fans, who were backing the underdog.
However, as the game progressed, Samrej failed to match Medvedev’s physicality and eventually succumbed to defeat. Nonetheless, he made his presence felt at Melbourne Park with some sensational tennis, leaving Medveded fuming and frustrated at one stage. Medvedev lost his cool after dropping the 3rd set against the 23-year-old and smashed his racquet on the net in frustration, damaging a camera attached to the net.
Following his hard-fought victory, Medvedev praised Samrej, who earned a standing ovation from the crowd at the Melbourne Park for his spirited show in the first-round clash. In his imitable way, Medvedev said the 23-year-old can have a good life and do well in tennis if he can play the way he did against him in every game and maintain his consistency.
“I watched his matches and didn’t see this level, so I was surprised,” said Medvedev in the post-match interview.
“If he plays like this every match, life can be good — money, girls, casino or whatever. If he doesn’t he is not going to have it. Not in tennis, maybe he is going to make it otherwise. But I wish he can play like this every match,” he added.
Just @DaniilMedwed adding to his catalogue of classic post-match interviews 😭#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/v0j8QCsO2d
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025
Samrej earned a wild card entry at the Australian Open 2025 after winning the Asia-Pacific wildcard playoff. He trained with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Thailand to prepare for the Australian Open last year. The 23-year-old gave a good account of his talent and skills against Medvedev by winning two straight sets against him.
Daniil Medvedev to face Learner Tien in 2nd round
After taking a long road to the second round, Medvedev will be hoping to produce a more clinical performance when he takes on American Learner Tien in the second round on Thursday, January 16. Having played three finals in 2021, 2022 and 2024, the 28-year-old Russian will be hoping to bring an end to his wait for maiden Australian Open title this year.
Daniil Medvedev hilariously praised his opponenet Kasidit Samrej with a bizarre comment after securing a hard-fought victory in the first round of the Australian Open 2025 on Tuesday. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
