Boris Becker was not happy with Daniil Medvedev. (Image: Getty.)
has slammed “hothead” after the Russian star smashed a camera in the net during his first-round match.
Medvedev came on top in a five-set thriller against world No. 418 Kasidit Samrej, winning 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-2.
But his frustrations got the better of him after falling behind in the third set. The Thai qualifier was staring at the possibility of the biggest win of his career, when an unfortunate net cord went against Medvedev.
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The 28-year-old, who had already shouted at his team earlier in the contest, .
He destroyed both the racket and the camera inserted into the net, cutting the TV feed off, while a ball kid had to pick up the pieces that had broken off and take them away before play resumed.
Samrej later dropped off and Medvedev won the fourth and fifth sets convincingly, in the knowledge that he would be picking up a fine for his angry outburst on court.
And Becker, a two-time Australian Open finalist, was among those angered by Medvedev’s actions. He insisted that such damage has no place on the tour and he will be looking out specifically to see how much Medvedev will be fined.
Daniil Medvedev smashing his racket into the net. (Image: Getty)
Speaking on ‘Matchball Becker’ on , Becker said: “He’s just become a father for the second time, so he should have a bit more control over himself.
“But that’s how we know him. He’s a hothead. It’s very entertaining for us, but not good for the tournament. I’m curious to see how much of a fine he’ll have to pay.”
Medvedev was given a warning by the umpire but admitted in his post-match press conference that .
“Honestly, I hope it’s not too big, because the fine is usually for breaking the racquet, and the camera is going to cost some, but I don’t think a GoPro is that expensive,” Medvedev said.
Medvedev destroys racket and net camera in frustration
— CJ Fogler ?????? (@cjzero)
“What I have to say is the camera was very, very strong, because my racquet didn’t handle the damage, but the camera did. It broke down, but there was not one piece going out from the camera.
“Very strong. I was very surprised because when I did it, I didn’t want to smash the racquet in pieces. When I saw the racquet, I was like, ‘okay, time to take a new one, I guess’.”
Medvedev faces Learner Tien in the second round after the American star overcame Camilo Ugo Carabelli in another gripping five-set match.