Daniil Medvedev ushers in 'new energy' after first win as father-of-2 in Australian Open 1R

Daniil Medvedev said that the turn of the year brought "new energy" with it, possibly alluding to the recent birth of his and wife Daria's second child, and helped him come out on top in his first-round match at the 2025 Australian Open. The World No. 5 was drawn to face the 418th-ranked Kasidit Samrej in the opening round of the year's first Major.

However, despite the wide ranking divide between the pair, the Thai nearly produced one of the greatest shocks in Grand Slam history. At one point, Samrej led Medvedev by two sets to one. The experienced Russian though, ultimately sealed a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over the 23-year-old, who started experiencing cramps in the fourth set.

Daniil Medvedev used the phrase "new year, new energy" in his post-match on-court interview to assess his narrow win over Kasidit Samrej. The former also said that he had spent the festive period at home this time around and decided to come to Australia for the Australian Open slightly later than on previous occasions.

"I have two kids now. I want to stay at home for the New Year and Christmas, even if I love Australia, every New Year in Australia is starting to get tough. So, I like to come here a little bit later. But, no, it only gives me good energy and today, you know, at the end of last year, I probably would have lost that," Medvedev said. (at 1:53).

"I wouldn't be able to concentrate and fight till the end. Now, it's a new year, new energy, at least for now. Hopefully for all the season. So I'm happy to win this match," he added.

The 2021 US Open champion ended last year on a disappointing note, as he made an early exit from the Rolex Paris Masters and the year-end Nitto ATP Finals.

Medvedev confirmed that he and his wife Daria had become parents for the second time earlier this month.

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Daniil Medvedev shared endearing picture to announce birth of second child with wife Daria

Daniil Medvedev (left) and Daria Medvedeva (right) (Source: Getty)

On Tuesday, January 7, five days before the commencement of main draw matches at the 2025 Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev took to Instagram and shared a picture of himself all smiles holding his second child. Daughter Alisa, Medvedev and his wife's first child, born in 2022, was also present in the picture alongside the World No. 5.

The Instagram post was captioned:

"Happy 2025 ❤️"

Medvedev's next task at the 2025 Australian Open is to get the better of another Major debutant in 19-year-old American, Learner Tien on Thursday, January 16.