MY ACCOUNT
Daniil Medvedev did not hold back following his victory over Nick Kyrgios as he labelled spectators who jeered him during the second-round match of having “a low IQ”.
The world No2 continued his quest for a second grand slam crown, and a first at the Australian Open, with a 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-2 win over Kyrgios on Thursday.
Medvedev, who is the highest-seeded player at Melbourne Park following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, prevailed against the home favourite in just under three hours.
He played the role of pantomime villain in front of a partisan crowd fully behind Kyrgios, which the Russian took exception to after sealing a place in the third round.
Medvedev, who will take on Botic van de Zandschulp for a place in the last 16, was particularly unhappy with those who made noise between his serves at Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s a little bit disappointing,” he told Eurosport. “I guess it’s normal, everyone experiences it, especially when you play a home favourite and not just any home favourite, but Nick.
“A few moments on my serve, where he managed to make some good returns, and then break point on second serve and people are cheering like you’ve made a double-fault.
“That’s just disappointing. It’s not everybody who’s doing it, but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ.
“When you get booed between first and second serves you have to stay calm.”
The crowd interrupted the interview, at which point on-court reporter and two-time Australian Open winner Jim Courier attempted to play peacemaker.
Courier pointed out that the noisy crowd were shouting ‘siuu’ in homage to Cristiano Ronaldo’s now-trademark celebration.
“Guys I can’t hear him, please show some respect for Jim Courier, he won here guys,” Medvedev said.
“Let him speak guys. If you respect somebody, at least respect Jim Courier. I cannot hear him guys.”
Kyrgios described the ‘siuu’ chants as like “being in a zoo” after his first-round match, while Andy Murray admitted to being “irritated” by the persistent chanting.
“What I’m saying is that between first and second serves is not easy,” Medvedev added. “I remember the games I lost on the break points it was the case and it’s tough to play.”
Further embracing his role as public enemy number one after eliminating Kyrgios, Medvedev signed the letters “SIUUUU” in the camera lens before exiting the court.
After winning the US Open, Medvedev is aiming to become the first man in the Open Era to follow up his maiden grand slam title with another in his next major appearance.
Last-year’s beaten finalist saw off Henri Laaksonen in straight sets in round one and is now the strong favourite to advance past world number 57 Van de Zandschulp.
Medvedev hit 31 aces against Kyrgios – the highest tally in a single grand slam main draw match – en route to reaching the third round in Melbourne for a fourth straight time.
Reflecting on his impressive win, Medvedev said: “Five years ago I probably would break two racquets, just get angry, start shouting at my box for nothing.
“And it probably would not help me win the match. I could win some [matches] like this, but you cannot win grand slams like this.
“So it makes me really happy because I can still have some tantrums, we all know it, but I’ve been working on myself.
“I’ve been working pretty hard last couple of years and I’m trying to mature as a tennis player and a person.
“The match like tonight, and a few last year, show that I’m capable of being really strong mentally no matter what happens on the court and I’m really happy about that.”
