Daniil Medvedev suffered yet another Australian Open heartbreak as he lost to Jannik Sinner after leading the Italian by two-sets-to-love.
Leading up to the finals, Medvedev had already spent more than 20 hours on the court. But the Russian started with a bang, taking the first two sets quickly. It took an inspired comeback by Sinner to help him win his Grand Slam title 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
After his heartbreaking defeat, Medvedev delivered an emotional runner-up speech where he congratulated Sinner on his victory. The World No. 3 also thanked his team, family and fans for supporting him.
A fan took to X (formerly Twitter), saying that it wasn’t the Russian’s defeat but his speech that made them cry.
“His defeat didn’t make me cry, his speech did.”
Another fan said Medvedev’s lengthy matches were incredible but felt that the fatigue got to the Russian in the final sets.
“He deserves to win, he played longest matches in tournament due to his fatigue he couldn’t perform well in last sets. But this #AO2024 make me his fan forever. I wish he will win this grand slam next year & others also. Love you Daniil Medvedev.”
Daniil Medvedev created a few records at the 2024 Australian Open
Though he didn’t win, Daniil Medvedev’s 2024 Australian Open campaign saw him create a few records.
Medvedev has become the first player in the history of tennis to lose a Grand Slam final twice after being two-sets-to-love up. The first one came against Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Australian Open.
Medvedev also spent over 24 hours on court through the entire tournament, the most by any player in Grand Slam history. The Russian called it the most taxing run he has ever had at a Slam but was happy with the record nonetheless.
“At least I got a record in something. I’m in the history books for something. Let’s take it,” he said.
