Last year's Australian Open runner-up, Daniil Medvedev, will not repeat that result during the current campaign. After a massive battle, world no. 5 fell in the second round to Learnen Tien, suffering an early loss and heading home.
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After earning a massive fine, Daniil will leave Melbourne with $76,000 less on his prize money tally! The Russian lost his temper in both encountersandaccumulatedan enormous fine. Medvedev's issues startedagainst Kasidit Samrej in the first round.
World no. 418 pushed the former finalist to the limits before Daniil prevailed in a five-setter. Medvedev destroyed the net camera with his racquet in the ninth game of the third set, which cost him$10,000. Instead of raising his level, the Russian struggled even more in the second round.
He faced the American teenager Learnen Tien and fell in the match tie break after an incredible battle. They fought for almost five hours, and Daniil could not control his temper, throwing tantrums and increasing his fine after multiple violations.
World no. 5 threw his racquet, argued with the chair umpire and skipped a mandatory press conference scheduledwell after 3 am. Tien held his nerves and became the youngest American in the Australian Open third round since Pete Sampras in 1990.
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Learnen ousted Daniil 6-3, 7-6, 7-6, 1-6, 7-6 after four hours and 49 minutes, celebrating his career-best victory. Daniil took charge after dominating set number four, preparing to turn the tables and bring the victory home. The favorites served for the win at 5-4.
However, the young gun recovered at the last moment and pulled the break back. Tien claimed the match tie break 10-7 to emerge at the top and deliver a massive stunner. Medvedev swerved at 56%, which plagued his chances. He landed 20 aces and nine double faults.
Thanks to the fourth set, the Russian won six points more than his opponentbut missed the crucial ones. It was a grueling baseline battle, with 122 exchanges countingnine or more shots! Learnen hit 53 winners and 79 unforced errors, with Daniil on a 52-82 ratio.
Medvedev will not think about his Australian Open result too much after becoming a father for the second time just a few days earlier. However, he will not be happy about this massive fine, although he fully deservesit.
