AusOpen 2025: Medvedev crashes out , Sinner survives scare

 

Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner faced an unexpected challenge on Thursday but ultimately recovered to secure his spot in the third round. The world No. 1, who had not dropped a set in over three months, overcame a spirited effort from Australian wild card Tristan Schoolkate, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 in a night match at Rod Laver Arena.

Sinner, who had won 30 of his previous 31 matches, found himself on the back foot early. Schoolkate, ranked 173rd in the world, capitalized on his only break point to clinch the opening set in just 47 minutes, thrilling the home crowd. However, Sinner regained control in the second set, breaking at 4-3 with a precise crosscourt winner and maintaining his momentum to close out the match comfortably.

However in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev was eliminated in the second round by American qualifier Learner Tien. The 19-year-old triumphed in an epic five-set battle, winning 3-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(8), 6-1, 7-6(7) in a grueling 4-hour, 49-minute encounter on Margaret Court Arena.

Medvedev, seeded fifth, had not exited a Grand Slam this early since Roland Garros in 2023. Tien, ranked 121st in the world, became the second-youngest American man to reach the Australian Open third round, following Pete Sampras in 1990.

Despite losing the first two sets, Tien showcased exceptional resilience, winning extended rallies and pushing Medvedev to his limits. The American excelled in points lasting nine or more shots, dominating with consistent shot-making and tactical depth. Medvedev rallied in the fourth set, breaking Tien three times and appearing poised to complete a comeback. However, in a dramatic final set, Tien broke early, only to surrender his advantage twice.

After a brief rain delay late in the match, Medvedev served for victory at 6-5 but faltered, allowing Tien to force a decisive tiebreaker. The teenager held his nerve, securing the win shortly before 3 a.m., delivering a moment to remember for tennis fans worldwide.

Second seed Iga Swiatek led a dominant display by top women  players on Thursday at Melbourne Park, joining Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open’s third round.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, brushed aside Rebecca Sramkova 6-0, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena, setting up an enticing clash with Raducanu. The British star overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-5 despite requiring a medical timeout for a left hip issue during the second set.

Meanwhile, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance against 17-year-old American wild card Iva Jovic. Despite a slight hiccup in the second set, Rybakina prevailed 6-0, 6-3, eliminating her second teenage opponent of the tournament.

The sunlit courts of Melbourne Park provided the perfect backdrop for the day’s action, offering a sharp contrast to the rain-soaked conditions of the previous day.