• Won the first two sets against Jannik Sinner 
  • Was ultimately mowed down in five sets 
  • Set unwelcome record at Melbourne Park 

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has been left to rue what might have been after letting another Australian Open championship chance slip through his fingers, but an unwanted record may have played its part in his defeat.

History repeated for the luckless world No.3 who claimed the first two sets against Italian star Jannik Sinner before ultimately being run down in a five-set classic. 

Medvedev looked on track for a one-sided win at Melbourne Park on Sunday night, playing young Italian Jannik Sinner, in his first major final, off the court early.

He eventually succumbed 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3. 

Medvedev was shattered after losing a five set epic against Italian rising star Jannik Sinner

Medvedev was shattered after losing a five set epic against Italian rising star Jannik Sinner

Broadcaster Channel Nine highlighted the difference between the two players in terms of time on court during the tournament

Broadcaster Channel Nine highlighted the difference between the two players in terms of time on court during the tournament

It came after the Russian had to toil through four, five-set matches in the Melbourne heat to reach the decider where he was faced with another marathon slog. 

In total, Medvedev spent 24 hours and 17 minutes on court at Melbourne Park, a world record for any grand slam event.

At one point during the match broadcaster Channel 9 even pieced together a montage of ‘weary Medvedev’ scenes from the match to highlight his exhaustion. 

Now having played six grand slam finals, Medvedev has only held the trophy aloft once, at the US Open in 2021. 

The 27-year-old had twice previously lost the decider at Melbourne Park, a straight-sets loss in 2021 to Djokovic and then a year later heartbreak in five hours against Nadal.

While shattered to have lost another grand slam final, Medvedev could see the humourous side after the match. 

‘At least I am in the record books books. I am in the history books for something,’ he quipped after the match.

‘Let’s take it.’

It was history repeating itself for Medvedev, who also won the first two sets against Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final before losing in five sets.

It was history repeating itself for Medvedev, who also won the first two sets against Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final before losing in five sets. 

Medvedev grew noticeably more tired as the match wore on after claiming the first two sets

Medvedev grew noticeably more tired as the match wore on after claiming the first two sets

Medvedev admitted he couldn’t match the physicality of Nadal and after spending a record 24 hours and 17 minutes on court through this Open, it proved telling against Sinner.

Had he won, Medvedev have eclipsed Carlos Alcaraz’s 23-hour, 40-minute effort in winning a grand slam at the 2022 US Open.

Alas, the missed opportunity may take some time to shake, although he vowed he would continue his quest for a second major.

‘Big congrats to you Jannik, you deserve it,’ Medvedev said.

‘It always hurts to lose in the final but probably being in the final is better than losing before.

‘I always want to win but I guess I have to try harder next time but I’m proud of myself.

‘Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it today but I’m going to try to make it next time.’

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Post source: Daily mail

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