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Moment raging Daniil Medvedev smashes Australian Open net camera in spectacular on-court meltdown
Medvedev made a bizarre claim about his opponent after the match
DANIIL MEDVEDEV smashed the net camerain frustration during his Australian Open first round clash with Kasidit Samrej.
The Russian, 28, took on the Thai world No.418 with few predicting anything other than a comfortable win.
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Samrej, 23, came out playing well above his ranking, however, and gave Medvedev an almighty scare.
After the fifth seed took the first set 6-2, Samrej raised his level to win the second 6-4.
When the underdog served for the third, Medvedev lost his cool.
At 30-15, Samrej had his former US Open champion opponent shuttling around the baseline.
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After a forehand struck the net cord, Medvedev was forced to scurry forward.
Samrej subsequently sent a forehand passing shot spinning past his opponent, leading to a furious outburst.
As Samrej waved his arms in apology, Medvedev took four vicious swings at the net with his racquet.
In doing so, he whacked the camera installed on the net.
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Television replays recorded on the net camera showed the moment it switched off due to Medvedev's blows.
Samrej went on to hold serve to take a stunning two-sets-to-one lead.
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But Medvedev managed to regroup, winning sets four and five 6-1 6-2 to squeeze into round two.
Medvedev did not play a warm-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open.
He only arrived Down Under a few days before the tournament after staying at home to witness the birth of his second child with wife Daria.
During his on-court interview, Medvedev was very complimentary of his opponent's level.
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He said: "I watched his matches and I didn't see this level. I was surprised.
"If he plays like this every match, his life can be good. Money, girls, casino, whatever. If he plays like this every match.
"If he doesn't, he's not going to have it. Maybe not in tennis, he's going to make it otherwise.
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"I wish he can play like this every match."
Medvedev will play American qualifier Learner Tien in round two, after the 19-year-old defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli 4-6 7-6 6-3 5-7 6-4 to earn his maiden Grand Slam win.
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