Three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev overcame an early setback to defeat Quentin Halys in the second round. The Russian secured a 6-7(9), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory in over three hours on Wednesday. Medvedev now faces Fabian Marozsan in the next round.
Daniil Medvedev, the 11th seed and former world number one, navigated a challenging match against France's Quentin Halys to advance to the third round of the Australian Open. The encounter, played under the Melbourne sun, lasted just over three hours and saw Medvedev come from behind after dropping the first set in a marathon tiebreak.
The first set extended to 68 minutes, with Halys, ranked 83rd, clinching it on the 20th point of the tiebreak. The Frenchman broke Medvedev's serve early in the second set, prompting a brief flash of frustration from the 29-year-old Russian, who has pledged to adopt a more positive demeanor on court. Medvedev quickly regrouped, breaking back with a sharp two-handed backhand down the line and winning three straight games to take a 3-2 lead. He then dominated the third and fourth sets, sealing the win with his 14th ace.
"It was a very tough match, happy I managed to fight," Medvedev said afterward. "Happy to play some good tennis to win. I still cannot get used exactly to the court and still am missing a little power in my shots. But definitely playing better, feeling good."
A three-time finalist at Melbourne Park in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and the 2021 US Open champion, Medvedev enters the tournament after a strong warmup win at the Brisbane International. However, his Grand Slam record last year was underwhelming. "I need to rebuild my confidence step by step," he admitted. "Just trying to enjoy it and play some good tennis."
Up next for Medvedev is Hungary's Fabian Marozsan at Melbourne Park.
