In a tale of tenacity at the Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev staged a stunning recovery to defeat Quentin Halys and advance to round three. The Russian, playing on John Cain Arena, lost the first set 6-7(9) but roared back with sets of 6-3, 6-4, and 6-2.
This win marks Medvedev’s seventh straight victory this season, equaling his hot 2021 start that included a Melbourne final and US Open glory. Historically shaky in early Grand Slam rounds, he turned the tide against Halys after a grueling tiebreak, using patience and power to take control.
Looking sharper than ever, thanks to coaching from Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, Medvedev joked ‘5 sets? No thanks’ to cameras afterward. His next opponent, Fabian Marozsan of Hungary, awaits in what promises to be another battle.
Meanwhile, compatriot Andrey Rublev navigated a tense encounter with Jaime Faria, winning 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. The Portuguese underdog pushed hard in the third, but Rublev’s experience prevailed in the decider on Margaret Court Arena.
As the tournament heats up, these Russian stars are proving why they’re perennial contenders, blending skill, strategy, and sheer determination to stay in the hunt for the title.