Former Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev survived the first-round scare in Melbourne! The 5th seed faced world no. 418 Kasidit Samrej on Rod Laver Arena and prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in three hours and eight minutes.
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The Thai player trained with Novak Djokovic in December. He learned his lessons and prepared well for his Major debut on the big scene. Samrej outplayed Medvedev in sets two and three before the more experienced player took charge and avoided a shocker.
Daniil became a father for the second time a couple of days ago, arriving in Melbourne late and missing valuable practice sessions. However, he found a way to overcome an inspired rival and make a winning start.
The Russian played incredible tennis behind the first serve, firing 24 aces and taking 53 of 58 points! His second serve also worked well,but he still trailed two sets to one. That's how well his rival hit in sets two and three! Daniil landed 48 winners and 34 unforced errors.
Kasidit sprayed almost 70 unforced errors, losing ground after the third set. The Thai player converted two break points in the sets he won. On the other hand, Daniil grabbed six breaks from 13 opportunities, dominating the sets he claimed.
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Medvedev made the biggest difference in the shortest exchanges up to four strokes, while his rival fought more efficiently in the more extended ones. The former finalist played flawless tennis in the opening set. World no. 418 hit a double fault in the first game and dropped serve.
Daniil provided three fine holds for 4-2 and made another push on the return in game seven. He drew the rival's mistake with a deep return for a break and a 5-2 lead. The favorite closed the opener with a hold at love in game eight, moving 6-2 up after half an hour.
Samrej raised his level in the second set and delivered five comfortable holds. Medvedev saved two break points in the sixth game and served to stay in the set at 4-5. Kasidit stepped in and generated two set points with valiant hitting.
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The Thai player forced another mistake from his rival on the first, taking the set 6-4 and leveling the overall score after an hour and 15 minutes. They served well in the opening six games of the third set before the lower-ranked player experienced issues.
Kasidit denied three break points at 3-3 and gained a boost. The Russian hit a double fault in the eighth game, suffering a break and falling 5-3 behind. Samrej served for the set in game nine and wasted two set points.
World no. 418 saved a break point and seized the fourth set point with a forehand down the line winner, moving two sets to one in front! Medvedev displayed frustration in the last game, destroying the net camera with his racquet and receiving a codeviolation.
Daniil saved a break point in the third game of the fourth set and gathered confidence. World no. 5 broke the rival's serve in games four and six for a 5-1 lead. Medvedev landed an ace in game seven, taking the set 6-1 and forcing a decider after two hours and 37 minutes.
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The better-ranked player rattled off 15 points behind the initial shot in the decider, and his rival could not keep upthat pace. Kasidit suffered a break in the first game and found himself 4-2 behind. Daniil made another push on the return in the seventh game.
World no. 5 grabbed a break with a drop shot winner and served for the win at 5-2. The Russian landed an ace for three match points and seized the first to seal the deal and move on.
