Daniil Medvedev destroyed a net camera as he battled to control his emotions in a five-set thriller against world number 418 Kasidit Samrej in the first round of the Australian Open.
Medvedev, a three-time finalist in Melbourne, furiously smashed his racquet against the camera in the middle of the net after falling behind in the third set.
The Thai wildcard was in sight of the biggest win of his career – as well as handing Medvedev the most surprising defeat of his – on his Grand Slam debut.
But Samrej, who has never previously competed at an ATP Tour event, started to struggle physically and the Russian regained his composure to win 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-2.
The fifth seed has made five-set matches a habit in Melbourne, with this his fourth in a row after blowing a two-set lead against Jannik Sinner in last year’s final.
“I know that I play better when I play more tennis, so why play one hour 30 [minutes]?” Medvedev joked during his on-court interview.
“It’s minimum three hours to feel my shots better and to have a good sensation.”
