Three-time finalist Dannil Medvedev has been fined heavily for a series of rule breaks during his brief stint at this year’s Australian Open.
The world No.5 was deemed to have committed violations during both of his matches in this year’s Grand Slam, and his fine totaled $76,000. In the first round, Medvedev hit a net camera during his encounter against Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej, breaking his racket. He has been fined $10,000 for that offense.
“What I have to say is the camera was very, very strong,” Medvedev told reporters after his opening match.
“My racquet didn’t handle the damage but the camera did.
“When I saw the racquet I was like, time to get a new one. I hope the fine is not too big – I don’t think GoPros are that expensive.”
Meanwhile, in his marathon second round encounter against American youngster Learner Tien Medvedev has been hit with a $66,000 fine for a series of violations. These are throwing his racket towards the sidelines that almost hit an advertising board, arguing with the umpire and failing to attend his mandatory press conference. He lost the match 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(8) 1-6, 7-6(10-7), which didn’t end until just before 3am local time.
Medvedev has reached the final of the Australian Open in three out of the past four years. It is the first time he has failed to win back-to-back matches in Melbourne since 2018. It is his earliest Grand Slam exit from the 2023 French Open.
The former US Open champion has not publically commented about his fine.
Meanwhile, Tien has continued his fairytale run with a 7-6 (10), 6-3, 6-3, win over France’s Couentin Moutet. He is the youngest player to reach the last 16 in Melbourne since Rafael Nadal in 2005.
“I kind of gave myself a little bit of time just to process the match (against Medvedev) and take it all in. After that, it was kind of on to the next match and focusing on my match I had today.” He said after beating Moutet.
“I was able to do it pretty well and kind of put that match behind me, but still taking some confidence from the win.”
Tien will next play Lorenzo Sonego.
