MELBOURNE — Daniil Medvedev is set to receive a hefty fine after smashing a camera in anger during his Australian Open first-round clash with Kasidit Samrej.
Medvedev, 28, lost the second and third set against Samrej, the world No 418 only earned a place in the draw by winning the Asia-Pacific Wildcard play-off in Chengdu last month.
And he was unable to keep his frustration under wraps during the third set, smashing his racket on the net and damaging a piece of camera equipment.
The Russian No 1 was given a warning for racket abuse and according to the grand slam handbook, could face a fine of up to £40,000. However, he can probably expect much less: in 2023, Novak Djokovic damaged a net post at Wimbledon by smashing his racket on it, and was fined just over £6,000.
But that would only be a fraction of his prize money: he is guaranteed at least £115,000 after emerging victorious over Samrej in five sets.
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Read MoreMedvedev, 413 places above him in the world rankings, is the No 5 seed at the Australian Open but had limited pre-season training after welcoming his second child, only arriving in Melbourne a few days before the tournament started.
But it looked as though he had shaken off any ring-rust when he took the opening set on Rod Laver, the Australian Open’s biggest court, in just 30 minutes.
However, untimely double-faults at 4-5 in the second set and 3-4 in the third allowed Samrej to break the 6ft 6in Russian’s huge serve twice in the hour that followed.
And the very next game, Samrej brought up set point for the fourth with a passing shot that clipped the tape and cruelly evaded Medvedev, who unleashed his frustrations on the net.
The former world No 1 and 2021 US Open champion swiped at the centre of the net five times with his racket, shattering the small camera that had been installed there, earning a warning for racket abuse from umpire Damien Dumusois.
Medvedev actually went on to save both set points and had a chance to break back, but eventually the Thai player served out the game to take a two sets to one lead, before Australian Open staff arrived on the scene to replace the broken camera.
Staff at Melbourne Park had to replace the broken camera after Medvedev destroyed it (Photo: Reuters)Medvedev’s rustiness was understandable given his late arrival in Melbourne, although he insisted he had completed a five-week pre-season programme, one of the longest of his career.
But he had seen his wife give birth to a second child and left home just a few days later, meaning he had very limited on-court, and he had bemoaned the early start to the tennis season in his pre-tournament press conference.
“Last year I made the same, no tournaments. In my opinion, it starts too early,” Medvedev said.
“I don’t celebrate Christmas the 25th, but in Russia it’s more important the 31st and the 1st is very important. That’s where Santa Claus comes in Russia and gives you presents, et cetera.
“I feel like I’m at the age where I want to be at home. I don’t see myself ever playing something before Australian Open because I really like to spend this time with my family, which is growing.
”The season starts too early. But I feel great, because it gives me extra time to practice. I think we’re going to see a lot of interesting things from me, and I’m looking forward to it.”
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