Daniil Medvedev smashes net camera in five-set Australian Open victory
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Daniil Medvedev smashed a net camera in an angry outburst during his five-set Australian Open win over lowly-ranked wildcard Kasidit Samrej. Medvedev reached the final for the third time at Melbourne Park 12 months ago but arrived late in Australia following the birth of his second child and was in deep trouble against 418th-ranked Thai Samrej. When the 23-year-old won the third set to go two sets to one up, fifth seed Medvedev repeatedly smacked his racket against the middle of the net, destroying a camera attached there.
![[Daniil Medvedev smashes the net camera]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d894ac9c2f9c1e16ae339779e2e1f6fddb442744/0_0_3789_2526/master/3789.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
But, like American teenager Nishesh Bavareddy, who led Novak Djokovic on Monday, Samrej began to struggle physically and Medvedev fought back to win 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. “I know I play better when I play more tennis,” the Russian said with a rueful smile. “Why play one hour 30? Minimum three hours. Second and third set, I couldn’t touch the ball. Full power, everything in. I didn’t know what to do. If he plays like this every match, his life can be good. Money, girls, casino.”.
Samrej earned his wild card by winning the Asia-Pacific wildcard playoff, while he warmed up for his grand slam debut by training with Djokovic in Thailand last month. Medvedev struggled during the second half of last season but he hopes the newest member of his family will help inspire a change in fortunes.
