Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev breaks his racquet - AND the net camera - during furious first-round meltdown at the Australian Open

Daniil Medvedev destroyed his racket and a net camera in a mid-match meltdown as he survived a huge scare against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej to reach the Australian Open second round on Tuesday.

The frustrated Russian whacked his racquet five times into the net after dropping serve in the third set before rallying to claim the match 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the afternoon sun at Rod Laver Arena.

The tantrum earned fifth seed Medvedev a code violation for racquet abuse and held up play before the fourth set as staff swept up debris from the court.

In the end, the racquet rage was probably a net benefit for Medvedev, who used the pause between sets to regroup before steamrolling the world number 418 Thai in the final sets.

'I know that I play better when I play more tennis so I was like, "Why play one-hour-30 (minutes), minimum three hours to feel my shots better,"' joked last year's finalist.

'Second and third set I couldn't touch the ball. Full power, everything in - I didn't know what to do.

Daniil Medvedev vented his fury on the net cord during his five-set tussle in the first round of the Australian Open

The Russian star found himself 2-1 down and on the brink of a major scare at the hands of Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej

Medvedev's racquet bore the brunt of his fury after he was broken by the 23-year-old starlet

"Not sure that camera will work anymore..." 😬

Daniil Medvedev takes his frustrations out on the net camera 💥🎥#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/izyTIUo7Js — Eurosport (@eurosport) January 14, 2025

'He plays like this every match, life can be good, money, girls, casino, whatever.

'I wish he can play like this every match.'

The first Thai in a men's Grand Slam main draw since Danai Udomchoke qualified for the 2012 Australian Open, Samrej appeared a complete mismatch on paper, having never played an ATP Tour-level match outside of Davis Cup.

But after a nervous start, giving up the first game with a double fault, the 23-year-old was a revelation.

Though nicknamed 'Boom' in Thailand, Samrej worked his way into the match with splendid touch, landing drop shots from virtually anywhere to repeatedly outpoint one of the game's most dogged hustlers.

He also showcased serious firepower, with a bazooka forehand fired down the line earning two set points in the second set.

The plucky Thai took the set blasting down the same line, earning a 'thumbs-up' from an impressed Medvedev.

Medvedev was soon fresh out of encouragement for his emboldened opponent, however. The Russian had three break points in the seventh game but Samrej saved all of them, two with drop shots and the third with a deft drop volley.

Technicians were called onto the court to repair the TV net camera after Medvedev's outburst

Samrej played the match of his career against the former US Open champion but was outfoxed

The 28-year-old will have been keen for more time on court after failing to take part in any pre-grand slam tune-up events

Soon it was Medvedev scrambling on serve, and after double faulting to give up two break points then drop the game, Medvedev went on his racquet-smashing rampage.

Riding a wave of underdog support from the crowd, Samrej blew two out of four set points with botched drop shots on serve but finally broke through with a cracking forehand down the line.

Although a set down and completely rattled, Medvedev re-emerged with his game-face on to put the match back on level terms as Samrej called for pickle juice to treat cramp.

Having regained the momentum, there was no stopping the Russian in the fifth set.

He served out the set to love and will face American qualifier Learner Tien for a place in the third round.

'At the end of last year, this match I probably would have lost it,' said Medvedev, a three-times runner-up at Melbourne Park.

'Now it's a new year and new energy... So I'm happy to win this match.'

Just days before flying to Melbourne, Medvedev became a father for the second time

Medvedev was also likely glad for the extra time on court, having revealed ahead of the start of the tournament that he had forgeone a traditional pre-grand slam tune-up in a bid to spend more time to extend his pre-season.

The 28-year-old had not played since November's ATP Finals, and became a father for the second time to daughter Victoria the day before he flew to Melbourne.

'I don't want to make like too big of a statement, but I felt like it was one of the best pre-seasons I made,' he said.

'I feel great, because it gave me extra time to practise. I think we're going to see a lot of interesting things from me, and I'm looking forward to it.'

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