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Medvedev Australian Open 2021
Australian Open, Tennis News

‘I’m really happy to get a five-set win,’ says Daniil Medvedev


Daniil Medvedev won his first five-set match in seven attempts to eventually see off Filip Krajinovic and book his place in the fourth round at the Australian Open. 

The Russian star dominated the first two sets against the Serb, though lost his way in the next two as Krajinovic became increasingly aggressive to force a decider on Rod Laver Arena.

The World No 4 eventually prevailed after refocusing in the fifth to win his first ever five-set encounter 6-3 6-3 4-6 3-6 6-0 and extend his winning streak to a remarkable 17 matches.

Speaking after the contest, Daniil Medvedev expressed his relief to finally come through in a deciding set.

He said: “I remember many of these five-set matches, I think like three or four of them, I would be a break up or something like this.

“I always say experience is the key for me, so this fifth set I felt like, of course it was tight, but as soon as I got the break I was under control and in contrary with previous matches, where I could get tight and start to rush things and make some errors.

“I was really calm to finish the match and I’m really happy I got the first five-set win.”

After going down 4-1 in the fourth set to the Serb, an exchange between Medvedev and his coach Gilles Cervara resulted in Cervara departing and the Frenchman did not return.

“He said just before leaving that he’s sure I’m gonna win the match, but he’s gonna leave me alone to be more calm, actually,” Medvedev revealed.

The fourth seed will now face Mackenzie McDonald in the fourth round as the Russian bids to reach the quarter-final stage in Melbourne for the very first time.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.