Andre Agassi & Coco Gauff's ex-coach makes his feelings known on Daniil Medvedev's angry camera smash at Australian Open

Daniil Medvedev, seeded fifth at the 2025 Australian Open, struggled to overcome his first-round wildcard opponent Kasidit Samrej amid the Australian heat on Tuesday. Along the way, a frustrated Medvedev smashed his racket on the net several times and generally cut a disaffected figure in front of a vocal and critical Melbourne crowd.

The World No. 5 appeared to concentrate his ire on a net-mounted camera, bringing a warning from the chair umpire. Daniil Medvedev's behavior prompted prominent US coach and former coach of Coco Gauff and Andre Agassi, Brad Gilbert to ask (via his X handle):

"Wondering if besides the fine will Meddy get charged for that net camera that he shattered, probably expensive machine as well," Gilbert wro

The 28-year-old Medvedev is no stranger to controversy and has been known to rile up crowds and opponents. Even at the 2021 US Open, which he won, the audience frequently booed him, and in 2022, he was antagonized by the Melbourne audience throughout the tournament.

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Ranked 418th, Kasidit Samrej took Daniil Medvedev to five sets, frustrating the Russian in the process

2025 Australian Open - Day 3 - Source: Getty

During the first-round match, the three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev committed 17 unforced errors across the second and third set, which were the catalyst for the outburst that saw him warned. Kasidit Samrej, meanwhile, enjoyed a good deal of support from the crowd for his efforts in extending the Russian ace.

The Thai player ranked 418, led by two sets to one at the Rod Laver Arena before eventually succumbing, as Medvedev stormed back to win 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. Medvedev will take heart from the fact that he's used to five-set matches down under, having played three five-setters en route to the final in 2024.

Having calmed down after the match, Medvedev lamented his form but suitably praised his opponent:

"In the second and third set, I couldn’t touch the ball! Full power, everything in, I didn’t know what to do. I watched his matches and I didn't see his level so I was surprised! But if he plays like this every match, his life can be good."

Daniil Medvedev's immediate fortunes may not improve, as he faces rising star Learner Tien in the next round on Thursday, January 16. The American qualifier may further test Medvedev's fragile temperament, having come from a grueling five-setter against Camilo Ugo Carabelli on Tuesday.