Returning to Rod Laver Arena Tuesday for his 2025 season debut, Medvedev was naturally forced to go the distance yet again, this time a revelation given his opponent – 418th-ranked Kasidit Samrej – had never appeared in a major main draw before.
“I know that I play better when I play more tennis,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview. “So I was like, ‘why play one hour 30?’ I need a minimum of three hours to feel my shots better, to have a good sensation.”
At one stage, the former US Open champion completely lost control when he destroyed a net camera after taking five swipes late in the third set. He was issued a warning and the court needed to be cleaned up following the incident.
Playing from behind, experience eventually played its role in the match turning tides. Medvedev ultimately rallied for a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory after three hours and eight minutes.
