The Australian Open roared to life as Daniil Medvedev navigated a tense encounter with Jesper de Jong, clinching a 7-5, 6-2, 7-6(2) victory to storm into the second round. Played out over 2:53 on Margaret Court Arena, the match blended drama and Medvedev’s mastery.
With Brisbane fresh in memory, the Russian’s 2026 ledger stands at a flawless 6-0, fueled by seven breaks from 13 points. His mental edge overcame first-set slips and late-set serving wobbles, culminating in tiebreak supremacy.
World No. 73 de Jong challenged valiantly on slow courts that unsettled rhythms, but Medvedev’s big-stage nous prevailed.
Bouncing back from 2025’s turbulence, including a single major and Almaty success, Medvedev is title-hunting. ‘Straight-sets progression heals last year’s wounds,’ he reflected.
Next up: Quentin Halys from France, straight-sets conqueror of Alejandro Tabilo. Medvedev’s momentum could carry him far.