Daniil Medvedev’s Scorching Victory Amidst Melbourne Heat
Russian powerhouse Daniil Medvedev faced both his opponent and Melbourne’s scorching heat in his Australian Open 2024 debut. Overcoming a set down, the world No.3 secured a commanding 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0 victory against France’s Terence Atmane. The match took an unexpected turn as Atmane retired due to cramps, highlighting the challenging conditions.
Medvedev’s Battle: From Set Down to Scorching Comeback
In a resilient display, Medvedev labeled the conditions as “brutal” post-match, emphasizing the sudden rise in temperature. He described the struggle, stating, “I regained the momentum and when I started feeling tough, he started cramping. I get tired physically, but I know the other guy will tire physically too and see if the other can handle it better.”
Tsitsipas Overcomes a Brief Scare, Awaits New Challenger
Meanwhile, Greek sensation Stefano Tsitsipas faced a brief scare in his opener against lucky loser Zizou Bergs. After losing the first set, Tsitsipas recovered impressively, clinching the match 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, and 6-3. Originally slated to face Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, Tsitsipas adapted to the unexpected change when Berrettini withdrew due to injury just 24 hours before their match.
Tsitsipas Adapts: From Expecting Berrettini to Overcoming Odds
Reflecting on the unexpected twist, Tsitsipas shared, “Things were not as expected. I was expecting Matteo. Things like these are quite dangerous when you’re preparing for many days in a row for a specific type of opponent.” Despite the initial challenge, Tsitsipas showcased his trademark fight and spirit, expressing, “I’m glad things turned around. I’m glad I showed the fight and spirit that I usually show on the court, so it feels great.”
In the upcoming rounds, both Medvedev and Tsitsipas aim to carry forward their winning momentum, promising tennis enthusiasts an exciting journey through the Australian Open 2024.