The first round of the 2025 Australian Open was played between Daniil Medvedev, a three-time finalist in Melbourne, and Kasidit Samrej. The match was famous not only for the passion but also for the moment of anger when the Russian tennis star broke a net camera during the third set. An angry 28-year-old returned to take the next five-set victory 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
The battle proved Medvedev’s many qualities, and the tournament’s variability was noted. Samrej immediately gave his opponent a run for his money—the Thai ranked 418 in the world and his very first Grand Slam—taking the fifth seed to five sets before succumbing. But he lost his composure in the later part, and the Russian overpowered him.
Daniil Medvedev started aggressively in the first set and had a break at the start of the match, winning the set in 30 minutes against the Ukrainian Kasidit Samrej. However, the second set was a different picture. The Thai player made some outstanding breaks, winning games that put them on equal footing after breaking the Russian. The former World No.1 was visibly frustrated, and Samrej took the game into the third set.
It came in the longest game of the match, which took 13 minutes for Samrej to make the final shot, which was a net-cord shot that changed direction to give him the point. It climaxed during the match where the world number one tennis player, Medvedev, angrily slammed his racket onto the net camera. It led to a brief interruption of the match as the authorities cordoned off the area and fixed the mess while the ball kids collected littered items. The outburst got Medvedev a code violation, but it was probably also the spark that brought out the fighter in him.
There is no doubt that Kasidit Samrej gave a remarkable performance. New to the ATP level, the 19-year-old wildcard played like a veteran throughout the match. His baseline aggression and timely break of Medvedev’s weakness helped him set up the opportunity to snatch the third set and inch closer to what seemed like an unlikely victory.
Fortunately for Samrej, the physical strains of the match started to manifest themselves in the fourth set. His movement slowed, and Medvedev sought to press his opponent, who was playing in charge. However, this loss was to be expected despite Samrej’s good performance.
The fightback in the fourth and fifth sets proved that Daniil Medvedev had the stomach for a fight and superior experience to his opponent. He reversed the events, taking 12 of the last 15 games and keeping up a command of his serve. The Russian made 24 aces, and his unforced errors were fewer than those of the rival, who made as many as 69 errors.
This win saved Medvedev from early elimination and maintained his dream of clinching his first Australian Open championship. Despite his losses in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 finals, Medvedev’s desire to win in Melbourne has not waned.
The first major battle of the 2025 Australian Open involved one of the players’ tempers boiling out of control while playing against Daniil Medvedev. Of course, what people remember most about what he said on the court is that it looked like his energy helped him pull through for victory. At least Samrej’s courage infused the game with a measure of uncertainty, and everyone was now a witness to the depth and talent of tennis. For more fearless sports coverage, visit Stadium Rant.
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