Daniil Medvedev hopes for a better reception by the crowd at the Australian Open 2023 following last year’s fallout

Daniil Medvedev hopes for a better reception by the crowd at the Australian Open 2023 following last year’s fallout

Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev played in the Championship match of the 2022 Australian Open. This was the third time he finished runner-up in a Grand Slam final. Previously, he reached the finals of the 2019 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. The only Major he won is the US Open 2021.

Rafael Nadal was the opponent of the Russian in last year’s Australian Open finals. In a match, which was played for more than 5 hours, the Russian lost to then the 20-time Grand Slam champion 6-2, 7-6, 4-6, 4-6, 5-7. This is the second-longest final of any Grand Slam tournament. However, for more than the records, this final match is also known for the hostile crowd that was present to witness this historic final.

YouTube video

The 26-year-old recalled that a small portion of the Australian crowd behaved badly with him in a recent interview. Some also commented on his nationality. They were constantly booing him, so much, so that the Russian had to ask the chair umpire to make the crowd quiet during points. But he also specified that he has no ill feelings towards them.

FS Video

“First of all, out of the 15,000 in the Rod Laver Arena, the people who behaved badly were no more than 50. At first I was upset, but I was wrong to vent at the press conference, it was stupid of me. The public is the first reason why we love sport. That’s why we have some crazy moments during the game, all of us: I generally like the Australian crowd.

“I remember playing against de Minaur in Sydney, a game where I definitely didn’t have the crowd on my side. But I remember, after the game, I sat down with my coach and we thought the atmosphere was crazy,” he said. “The important thing is that the public is not disrespectful, otherwise it becomes difficult for anyone. When it happens you’re a little disappointed, but, once again, everyone loves playing in Australia because of the great atmosphere on the pitch. I can’t wait to play here, and I hope to express myself in the best way,” he added further.

Incase you missed: Stan Wawrinka talks of his ability to make a comeback like Federer and Nadal did post surgeries

Daniil Medvedev’s chances at the Australian Open 2023

Daniil Medvedev (Image Credit: The Times)

The Russian reached the final of the Australian Open last time around when he was in Australia. He defeated some brilliant players such as Nick Kyrgios, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to the final. He faced Rafael Nadal in the final and lost.

However, besides the defending champion, 9-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is also making its re-entry. He missed this event last year due to his deportation just a day before the start of the tournament. However, this time he would be looking for redemption. He wants to win this title for the tenth time.

Also, young guns such as Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, too, are looking to win their first Grand Slam title Down Under. World No.22 Nick Kyrgios is the crowd favorite and Australian Open 2022 doubles champion. But World No. 7’s challenges do not end here. He also has to play before the crowd which may be hostile towards the Russian. However, Daniil Medvedev hopes that he would be able to pass every hurdle to win his career’s first Australian Open title.

Incase you missed: Caroline Garcia happy to have crushed Argentina in the United Cup to avenge FIFA World Cup finals defeat

Incase you missed: “Shot of the decade already,” Adrian Mannarino stuns everyone with his incredible tweener in the United Cup match