Daniil Medvedev raids Australian Open crowd after dumping domestic hero Nick Kyrgios
Russian Daniil Medvedev had harsh words for Melbourne crowd as he sent Australian Nick Kyrgios crashing into his home Grand Slam, told fans “show respect” before mentioning “Low IQ” members of the public.
Medvedev faced an early test of his Melbourne credentials with a tough second round match against Kyrgios at the Rod Laver Arena.
The Australian hero is known for his ability to whip the home crowd into frenzy in his pursuit of victory, as well as employing some of the dark arts of tennis with his on-court antics.
Some of them were on display Thursday as the 26-year-old ranged from sublime to ridiculous, often exchanging heated words with match referees and even stole one of Medvedev’s towels.
Medvedev also did not hesitate. #kyrgios#os open , https://t.co/S9S3sAE0tI pic.twitter.com/v9VgGjgjin
— Tennis GIFs (@tennis_gifs) 20 January 2022
But Russia kept its composure to emerge victorious in four sets, mostly keeping a lid on the raging atmosphere with a brutal performance that knocked Kyrgios out except in the third set, inspired by a tennis merchant Australian.
Speaking about his win to two-time Australian Open champion Jim Courier, Medvedev had tough words for the crowd when asked how he kept his cool amidst humiliating teasing.
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“It’s the only option when you boo between first and second serve, it’s not easy, you just have to keep calm and win the match” Russian said.
The crowd enraged before the courier tried to explain that the noise might have been the screams of tennis fans. ‘Siu!’ – Celebration made famous by football icon Cristiano Ronaldo that often sounds like a boon and has become a feature of this year’s Melbourne Grand Slam,
“Guys, I can’t hear it, please. Show some respect to Jim Courier. He’s won here twice. Medvedev said, raising his hand.
“Please let him speak. If you respect anyone, at least give respect to Jim Courier.
He shared his feelings…@DaniilMedwed , #os open pic.twitter.com/18J7Kr39yx
— Tennis & Direct (@livetennis) 20 January 2022
As a football enthusiast, Medvedev knows very well where ‘Siu!’ Mantra comes and smiles as he continues his reaction.
“But what I say, between the first and second serve, it ain’t easy” Medvedev added.
The interview ended with a mix of applause and ridicule for the 25-year-old, who left the arena with some playful trolls as she wrote ‘Siouu!’ In the message of the winner after the traditional match on the lens of a television camera.
Indeed, Medvedev suggested that his anger at the crowd may have been at least partly fickle, as he was heard in conversation with a local, who apologized to the crowd in the players’ area after the match.
” it’s understood, “ Medvedev replied. “I just want to play with them a little bit.”
“No, I mean, it makes sense, I just want to play with them a little bit”💀
I hope it was about the crowd #medvedev pic.twitter.com/t59N0lAGA4— salty🧂 (@saltytennis) 20 January 2022
But the Russian second seed expressed more displeasure with part of the crowd as he was interviewed by Eurosport.
“I think it’s normal for everyone to really experience it, especially when you’re playing not only a favorite of the house, but Nick,” Medvedev.
“I have a second serve with a break point and people are already clapping like you have already made a double fault.
“I mean, it’s just frustrating because not everyone does, but those who probably have a low IQ.”
“people who do”
Daniil Medvedev doesn’t shy away from his scathing assessment of the Australian Open crowd#os open , @DaniilMedwed pic.twitter.com/TvG66zwIQN
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 20 January 2022
Medvedev is not the first star to question the behavior of fans. Despite enjoying strong partisan support, Kyrgios himself angered the home crowd, one at a time asking the match referee to keep him under control.
“Aren’t you gonna scream during my fucking shift?” , Kyrgios was heard saying this.
Earlier in the tournament, British icon Andy Murray admitted that ‘Siu!’ songs were ” Hitch. ,
“At first I thought they were booing me, but then I realized they were making the same sound as Ronaldo when he scores. It was incredibly disturbing. Scotsman said.
Medvedev against Arena, and Medvedev won.#os open pic.twitter.com/AOPXb8pPJh
— Tennis GIFs (@tennis_gifs) 20 January 2022
Medvedev may have angered some locals with his comments, but the Russian is no stranger to fighting an ongoing battle with the mob.
He played back and forth with fans in New York before reaching the final of the US Open in 2019 and eventually made peace with them.
The Russian – who won the US Open last year for his first Grand Slam title – will face his next assignment in Melbourne on Saturday against unranked Dutchman Boutik van de Zandschulp.
After the departure of world number one Novak Djokovic – who defeated him in the final last year – Medvedev is now the highest-ranked player in the men’s draw.
Medvedev is aiming to become the first man to follow a Grand Slam crown by winning the title in his next appearance at the Major.
If he achieves the feat, he will also be the first Russian men’s singles champion Down Under since Marat Safin won the Melbourne title in 2005.
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