For the seventh time in his career, Daniil Medvedev suffered a first-round exit at the French Open, falling to Australian wild card Adam Walton a thrilling five-set battle 2-6 6-1 1-6 6-1 4-6.
It has been an unpredictable clay-court season for the former World #1. He suffered a shocking 6-0 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini in Monte Carlo before rebounding to reach the semifinals of the Italian Open, where he pushed world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to three sets.
Adam Walton Delivers Career-Defining Upset over Daniil Medvedev
Now in Paris, Walton outlasted the 2021 US Open champion in a dramatic three-hour-and-22-minute battle. Medvedev has now crashed out in the opening round in four of his last five appearances at the French Open. For the Australian, this victory marks the first Top 10 win of his career.
The world No. 97 had previously beaten Medvedev in Cincinnati last season and has now reached the second round in Paris for the second time.
“I knew I could do it and I believed,” Walton said during his on-court interview. “I’m just happy with my performance. I’m really excited right now. I’m really proud of my effort in the fifth set, especially coming back from a break down to get the win.”
Walton Gets Stronger in the Crucial Moments
Adam Walton edged Daniil Medvedev 143-141 in total points won across the five-set match. Medvedev was slightly more efficient on break points, converting 6 of 15 opportunities, while Walton converted 5 of 21. However, the Australian proved stronger in the crucial moments, winning 60% of his service points compared to Medvedev’s 57%. The 27 year old also won 38% of first-serve return points and 56% of second-serve return points, underlining the pressure he consistently put to the Russian’s serve throughout the match.
Awaiting Walton in the second round is American Zachary Svajda, who overcame Alexei Popyrin in his opening match in four sets.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
