Three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev could be fined up to $80,000 after smashing a net camera in his lucky centre-court escape against unheralded Thai opponent Kasidit Samrej.
The world No.5 will come under scrutiny from tournament officials for repeatedly slamming his racquet into the net as he was about to drop the third set.
Medvedev was fuming after Samrej, who won the Australian Open’s Asia-Pacific wildcard play-off to earn his main draw spot, took the match right up to him, threatening to cause what would have easily been the biggest boilover of the first round.
But last year’s runner-up eventually found his groove across five sets, winning 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, and spending valuable time on court in the process.
Medvedev not only broke his racquet in the outburst, he dislodged the bottom of the net from the court surface, impacting the net camera.
The match was temporarily halted as tournament staff cleaned up the mess and replaced the camera.
The cleanup after Daniil Medvedev’s antics.Credit: Getty Images
Under rules governed by the sport’s grand slam board, players can be fined under the “Abuse of Racquets or Equipment” category.
The maximum fine for each violation is $US50,000 (just over $80,000). But the Russian was hopeful the fine wouldn’t be excessive.
“Honestly, I hope not too big,” Medvedev said after the match.
“But what I have to say is that the camera was very, very strong, because my racquet didn’t handle the damage, but the camera did.
“It [my racquet] broke down. But there was not one piece going out from the camera.
“It was very strong. I was very surprised.
“When I did it, I didn’t want to smash the racquet in pieces.”
Player behaviour is monitored by officials throughout the event, with the fines dished out to players announced at semiregular intervals.
It was expected that Medvedev’s tantrum would be assessed by event officials on Tuesday night.
Medvedev smashes his racquet against the net camera.Credit: Eddie Jim
Medvedev was hugely relieved to survive a first-round scare, but he believes his five-set battle against his little-known opponent may have worked to his benefit.
The fifth seed said he was happy to be pushed around for more than three hours in the warm conditions on Rod Laver Arena.
“I mean, I know I play better when I play more tennis … [with] a minimum three hours to feel my shots better, to have a good sensation,” Medvedev told Nine, the owner of this masthead.
“In the third set I couldn’t touch the ball.
Kasidit Samrej of Thailand gestures as he leaves Rod Laver Arena after his first-round loss to Medvedev.Credit: AP
“I watched his matches [beforehand] and I didn’t see this level …. if he plays his level every match his life can be good.”
At last year’s Australian Open 20 players were fined for different offences. They included abuse of balls, visible obscenity, verbal abuse, a breach of coaching protocols, physical abuse, and unsportsmanlike conduct.
The grand slam board rules also specify another category – major player offences – which include aggravated behaviour and conduct contrary to the integrity of the game.
Medvedev takes a selfie with fans after defeating Samrej.Credit: AP
Medvedev had a late arrival to Australia after the birth of his second child early this month.
But he said he was content to prepare for the event without any lead-in tournaments.
“Like I said it in the press conference, I’m probably never going to play lead up tournaments [before Australia],” he said.
“I like to come here a little bit later.”
He said he felt rejuvenated after a small break for Christmas and getting a match under his belt.
“In the end of last year I would probably have lost it [this match today] … [now it’s] new year and new energy.
“I’m happy to have won it.”
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