Daniil Medvedev fined R1.4 million for Australian Open antics

Temperamental Russian Daniil Medvedev was on Saturday fined $76 000 (R1.42 million) over his behaviour at the Australian Open, where he destroyed a net camera, threw his racquet and skipped a post-match press conference.

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The world number five was penalised $10 000 (R190 000) for a meltdown during his five-set first-round win against Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej, when he mangled his racquet and ruined the camera.

He faced an even bigger penalty – $66 000 (R1.23 million) – over his antics in the next round when he crashed out to 19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien.

During the match he threw his racquet toward the sidelines, skidding across the court until it reached an advertising panel near his bench.

He also argued with the umpire after being called out for repeated foot faults, then skipped his obligatory post-match press conference.

Daniil Medvedev had reached three of the last four Australian Open finals, including in 2024 when he imploded after leading by two sets, losing to Jannik Sinner.

Does tennis need ‘bad boys’?

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