Melbourne – US Open winner Daniil Medvedev braved the atmosphere at Nick Kyrgios’ tennis show to preserve his title chance at the Australian Open.
The world number two won the second round match against the Australian in Melbourne 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Kyrgios, known as a provocateur and entertainer, entertained and thrilled the crowd in the night session at the Rod Laver Arena, which was about half full, and engaged in some spectacular rallies with Medvedev.
“I came here to win the match and I’m happy I did it,” Medvedev said. He said it was not easy because he also perceived the crowd’s shouts as boos against him – even between the first and second serve.
Medvedev is the highest-ranked player at the Australian Open due to the absence of Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic and is considered one of the favourites for the title. In the battle for a place in the last 16, the 25-year-old will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, who defeated Jan-Lennard Struff from Sauerland in the first round.
Murray eliminated
Two days after his emotional first round win, former world number one Andy Murray has been eliminated. The 34-year-old Scot lost to Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel in three sets 4-6, 4-6, 4-6.
Earlier, Murray had downed Georgian Nikolos Bassilashvili in five sets and almost four hours. It had been an emotional comeback after Murray announced his career would end in 2019 due to persistent hip problems. After undergoing surgery, the three-time Grand Slam tournament winner and two-time Olympic champion had returned once more.
At the Australian Open, the Scot reached the final five times but never won the title. Last year, Murray was absent from Melbourne due to a corona infection. This time he took part thanks to a wildcard.
Surprises in the women’s singles
There were two big surprises in the women’s draw with the failure of US Open winner Emma Raducanu and world number three Garbiñe Muguruza. The 19-year-old Raducanu lost 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 to world No. 98 Danka Kovinic of Montenegro. Raducanu is now coached by Angelique Kerber’s former coach Torben Beltz.
Former Australian Open finalist Muguruza of Spain lost to unseeded Frenchwoman Alizé Cornet 3-6, 3-6. Besides the former Wimbledon and French Open winner Muguruza, another top ten player had to give up all hopes: World number seven Anett Kontaveit from Estonia lost to the only 19-year-old Dane Clara Tauson 2:6, 4:6.