Daniil Medvedev smashed his racket into the net and broke a camera (Image: Eurosport)
Daniil Medvedev smashed a camera during his frustrated outburst at the .
The fifth seed and three-time runner-up in Melbourne Park has found himself in serious trouble in the first round, trailing world No. 418 Kasidit Samrej.
Tempers flared when Medvedev made a mistake to give his rival a set point and he smashed his racket into the net. Staff were later called in to fix a camera that had been attached to it.
Medvedev cruised through the first set against Thai wildcard Samrej but things quickly became difficult. The 23-year-old stole the second set to level things up, breaking in the final game.
Things went from bad to worse for Medvedev in set three. After the fifth seed failed to convert multiple break points, Samrej pounced and got a crucial break, allowing him to serve for the set.
The world No. 418 drew Medvedev into the net in a cat-and-mouse rally. Last year’s runner-up tried to swat at the ball to get it back into play but he missed and it went flying past him, giving Samrej his first set point.
Medvedev was furious with his mistake, repeatedly whacking his racket into the net and receiving a warning. There are mini cameras fixed into the net, giving a close-up perspective when players come in to defend.
Staff were called in to fix the camera (Image: Eurosport)
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And commentators quickly realised Medvedev had smashed his racket in that exact spot. “Well it’s been a build-up, hasn’t it?” Lucie Ahl remarked.
“That’s where the camera is, isn’t it? Not sure if that camera will work anymore.”
The 28-year-old still make things tricky for his opponent – he set up a break point and Samrej ultimately needed four set points to take the lead.
Both players left the court for a comfort break after the third set and it quickly became apparent that Medvedev did break the camera.
Staff were called in to fix the issue as a ball-girl swept up the mess by the net.
Medvedev returned looking much calmer and it translated into his tennis. He immediately earned a break as the wildcard started to flag and called the physio.
Samrej was given pickle juice to help with his cramping but didn’t have a full medical time-out.
The world No. 5 flew through the fourth set, taking it 6-1 in 40 minutes as his opponent continued to struggle. The wildcard saw the physio again in the set changeover, getting his thigh rubbed down.