Daniil Medvedev survived a mid-match meltdown as he beat Filip Krajinovic in five sets in the third round of the Australian Open. The Russian, who is currently fourth in the men's ATP rankings, threw away a two-set lead but ultimately came out on top 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-0.
The tournament, which had started in front of live crowds, is currently being played behind closed doors after the state of Victoria announced an emergency five day 'circuit breaker' lockdown. The lack of spectators only added to the drama in this game as Medvedev took out his frustrations on his coach Gilles Cervara sitting in the stands.
During the fourth set, as Medvedev's lead was slipping away, he yelled several times at his coach in French, including the words "Will you let me play? Just let me play!". Eventually the coach picked up his bags and walked out of the arena to diffuse the situation.
🔥 I'M OUTTA HERE 🔥
Daniil Medvedev's coach Gilles Cervara left mid-way through the match after copping some heat from the Russian star.
READ: https://t.co/OFaQqA5Ukn#9WWOS #AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/1rE7xo0ZjW— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 13, 2021
Medvedev did manage to regain his composure and will now advance to the last 16, but this incident will only add to his reputation as one of the more temperamental players on the men's tour.
It wasn't just coach Gilles that caught Medvedev's ire during this match. The Russian also ranted that "this Australian Open sucks" after complaining that the spider-camera was obstructing his serve, and he also received a code violation for failing to put his mask on while going to the toilet.
He remains one of the favourites to win the men's championship this year so it will be interesting to see if he's involved in any more blow-ups along the way.
