Daniil Medvedev slams ‘low IQ’ Melbourne crowd after defeating Nick Kyrgios

Daniil Medvedev has savaged Australian Open fans in multiple interviews for their disrespectful conduct during his match with Nick Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios hits a return against Daniil Medvedev. Picture: AFP Images

The best tennis player in the world says Melburnians who cheered between his serves “probably have a low IQ” as he lashed Thursday night’s Rod Laver Arena crowd as “disrespectful”.

Big-serving Russian Daniil Medvedev waltzed past hometown hero Nick Kyrgios in four sets, but it was his encore match against the public – and awkward on-court interview with Jim Courier – that stole the show.

The Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired ‘Siuuu’ chant has spread like Omicron across Melbourne Park crowds this week, and while several players have mistaken it for boos it appeared Medvedev was actually on the receiving end of distasteful jeers.

When they reappeared during the Courier chat a frustrated Medvedev pleaded with fans to zip their lips and at least show Courier – the 1992-93 Australian Open champion – respect.

“Sorry, I can’t hear you,” Medvedev, 25, said when Courier asked him a question as he looked around in disbelief.

“Show some respect for Jim Courier. Let him speak please. If you respect somebody, at least respect Jim Courier.”

Medvedev then cheekily wrote “Siuuuu!!” above his signature on the TV camera as he exited the arena before questioning the intelligence of the fans in the stands.

“It’s not anger, it’s just a little bit disappointing,” Medvedev told EuroSport.

“Many games (on my serve) were actually quite easy for me – a lot of aces. Then I have a break point, second serve and people are cheering like you already made a double fault.

Daniil Medvedev reacts after his win over Nick Kyrgios. Picture: Michael Klein

“That’s just disappointing. It is not everybody who is doing it, but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ.”

A brave Kyrgios did what Novak Djokovic was unable to do in last year’s US Open final and take a set off Medvedev, who is regarded as the clear favourite and potentially the next king of Melbourne Park.

Daniil Medvedev, who signed "Siuuu" on the camera, to Eurosport:

"Break point, second serve and people are cheering like you already made a double fault - that's just disappointing ... it's not everybody who is doing it but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ."

💅 💅 pic.twitter.com/43kXQ9mLHX

— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 20, 2022

Medvedev hammered 31 aces in the three-hour masterclass that booked last year’s runner-up a place in the third round against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

RECAP A HUGE DAY 4 FROM THE AUS OPEN

LIVE: FOLLOW THE LATEST FROM DAY 5

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KYRGIOS OUT: NICK’S EPIC COMEBACK BID FALLS SHORT

He gave it everything – and then a little bit more – but the man who could become the next King of Melbourne Park has buried Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open dreams.

Kyrgios went from the brink of a meltdown to the verge of an almighty boilover in a rollercoaster third set where he threatened to rock world No.2 Daniil Medvedev.

But mixed in with Kyrgios’ ridiculous netplay, no-look backhands and fighting spirit, his sparring battles with chair umpire Carlos Bernardes and one smashed racquet, was the relentless, steely play of the undisputed favourite to claim this year’s men’s title.

“I am throwing the kitchen sink. I actually can’t physically do anything more,” Kyrgios exclaimed as he held on for dear life early in the decisive fourth set.

Medvedev managed on Thursday night to do two of the toughest things in tennis: nullify Kyrgios’ serve, and silence the Australian’s ravenous home crowd.

In doing so the world No.2 somehow managed to halt a stirring Kyrgios comeback in four sets and book a third round spot and rob the Australian Open of its greatest entertainer.

10:00PM: FOURTH SET LOCKED ON SERVE

There has been no letting up from Nick Kyrgios in this fourth set.

And there has been no letting up from the crowd either.

Every Kyrgios winner is greeted with the Rod Laver Arena crowd going absolutely nuts.

Medvedev is doing his best to keep a level head.

He has played in some tough environments before and knows he just needs to weather this storm. But the storm has been going for three hours and is showing no signs of ending.

Nick Kyrgios is crushing winners. Picture: AFP Images

KYRGIOS MADNESS SENDS AUS OPEN WILD

They don’t call him the ultimate showman for nothing.

Just when he looked down and out, Nick Kyrgios has turned his match with Daniil Medvedev on its head.

The Aussie dropped the opening two sets in tight fashion and it looked like the gap in preparation would be too much for him to overcome.

However, Kyrgios wasn’t about to go away quietly.

When he secured the break with a down the line forward winner, he stuck his tongue out and shook his head widely. And the crowd ate it up.

Moments before he hit another winner and followed it up with a lap around his half of the court.

“It is like a Champions League match,” said Dylan Alcott in commentary.

Every Kyrgios winner is sending the crowd absolutely wild.

9:15PM: KYRGIOS DOWN TWO SETS TO LOVE
Nick Kyrgios is facing a second round Australian Open exit after dropping the opening two sets to Daniil Medvedev.

The Aussie has produced some scintillating tennis but it hasn’t been good enough to topple the world No.2.

Kyrgios dropped the opening set 7-6 before going down 6-4 in the second.

The Aussie is also far from happy with umpire Carlos Bernardes after a warning for taking too long between serves.

Things got heated between the two, with Kyrgios giving the umpire a serve at the end of the second set.

“All I did was walk to my towel. I walked to my towel,” Kyrgios yelled.

“Usually the ball kids give me the towel.

“Listen, I don’t want to talk to you, listen to me, yeah. Usually the ball kids give me the towel, yes or no? Usually, yes, they do, right? So all I did was walk to my towel. That’s all I did.

“I don’t want to talk to you. Listen to me! I’m not trying to slow him down. No one cares what you say. I couldn’t care less what you say.”

8:40PM: KYRGIOS STEALS MEDVEDEV’S TOWEL

This is Nick’s home slam and if he wants your towel, he is going to take your towel.

Daniil Medvedev found that out the hard way, with Kyrgios swiping the Russian’s towel as he walked past his chair early in the second set.

Medvedev didn’t even flinch though and leads the second set 4-3.

Medvedev didn't even flinch. #Kyrgios#AusOpen | https://t.co/S9S3sAE0tIpic.twitter.com/v9VgGjgjin

— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) January 20, 2022

8:36PM: MURRAY KNOCKED OUT OF AUS OPEN

Andy Murray’s Australian Open is over.

The former slam champion has been knocked out by Japan’s Taro Daniel in straight sets.

Murray went down 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Daniel was on fire from the back of the court, crushing 46 winners and only 21 unforced errors.

‘THIS MATCH IS ABOUT ME AND HIM’: KYRGIOS SWIPE

It would appear Nick Kyrgios isn’t a huge fan of chair umpire Carlos Bernardes.

The Aussie was picked up on the on-court microphones getting Bernardes a drive-by regarding the serve clock.

Kyrgios is traditionally one of the fastest players on the tour between points.

Kyrgios to Bernardes at changeover: 'Don't forget, this match is about me and him, yeah. Don't ruin it by putting the clock too fast.'

— Ravi Ubha (@raviubha) January 20, 2022

7:50pm 4-4 BACK ON SERVE

He has pulled it back!

Medvedev brought it back to deuce after saving break point but Kyrgios was able to snatch the break in an incredible display of tennis.

NK seems to be up for the fight tonight and the crowd is roaring on Rod Laver Arena.

“This is like Rod Laver for a Davis Cup match,” Dylan Alcott, sitting courtside, told Nine.


7:36 3-2 KYRGIOS WINS AFTER UNDERARM SERVE

Nick Kyrgios has pulled out his secret weapon against Daniil Medvedev – his underarm serve – and it has come up trumps

It helped Kyrgios him close out his service game, but vision emerged earlier in the set of him complaining about his towels (?) to the chair umpire.

7:28pm 1-2 MEDVEDEV BREAKS THROUGH

Thing can change fast with Nick Kyrgios and in the blink of an eye, Daniil Medvedev ha broken the Aussie and taken a 2-1 lead.

It will be tough for him to come back from here, but if the start is anything to go by, it isn’t beyond him.

7:25pm 1-1 KYRGIOS’ PROMISING START

A convincing win in Nick Kyrgios’ first service game, with two aces the highlight.

And he nearly broke the big Russian, with Daniil Medvedev saving two break points before winning the point to keep it on serve.

7:15pm MATCH ABOUT TO BEGIN
We are moments away from the start of this blockbuster clash!

Can underdog Nick Kyrgios overcome the might of Daniil Medvedev?

5:55pm TILEY BREAKS SILENCE
Tennis Australian boss Craig Tiley has broken his silence over whispers the governing body will pay for Novak Djokovic’s legal fees and made clear he will not stand down form his role.

After weeks of silence, Tiley addressed multiple issues that have been largely ignored since Djokovic arrived in Australia.

Five days after the world No 1 was deported, Tiley sees no reason he should stand down.

“We put a statement out recently,” he told Ch 9. “ I am very focused today on delivering a great event. I am proud of being able to stand up here and you can see what is behind us, I am proud of what the team has done and what we have delivered so far. We have had four

days of unbelievable tennis and great entertainment and we will have that for the next 10 days.

5:10 KYRGIOS READY FOR RUSSIAN ‘ROBOT’

Nick Kyrgios owns a winning record against Danil Medvedev - a player he once referred to as “a robot, beast, freak” whose “consistency is off the charts”.
But the Australian says history will count for nothing when the two face off in a super-charged second-round clash tonight.

“There’s no doubt that he’s probably double the player (now) than he was before when I played him,” Kyrgios said.

Medvedev is a robot. Beast. Freak. Haha consistency off the charts 🤦🏽‍♂️ too good 😅🔥

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 18, 2019

“But those past experiences I had against him, and I have had success against him in the past, I know the kind of game style and the way I need to play.

“He knows how I’m going to play, I think, and I know how he’s going to play. It’s going to be very contrasting styles.”

The clash pits Kyrgios’ thunderbolt forehand and serve, and Medvedev’s relentless defence and awkward style – with the twin wildcards being the influence of a raucous home crowd, and Kyrgios’ recent recovery from Covid.

5:05PM AUSSIE’S HUMBLE RESPONSE TO WINNING $ $221K

It’s not everyday you secure close to a quarter of a million dollars.

Australia’s Maddison Inglis did just that in securing a third round berth at her home grand slam after victory over Hailey Baptiste.

So what does a 24-year-old whose career earnings pre-tournament totalled $500,000, do with her new found wealth?

“I actually didn’t know the amount until somebody just said something in the interview before this.

“It’s incredible. The prize money is something that I try really hard not to think about. I actually haven’t done this tournament very much at all, which I think has helped me out there.

“If you’re thinking about stuff out there, it’s hard to focus on the things that you need to be focusing on.

“But it’s going to be a huge help for me this year. It’s going to take a little bit of pressure off just me financially.

“It’s obviously quite expensive traveling, hiring a coach. Not being able to come back to Australia, you’re on the road for a long time. I’m pretty grateful to have some of that stress taken off.”

4:30pm TA BOSS BOOED
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has made his first public appearance since Novak Djokovic was deported - the crowd were not very receptive.
Taking to the Kia Arena to present Aussie star Sam Stosur with flowers and a gift after the 37-year-old’s singles campaign and career came to an end, Tiley was booed by some of the crowd.
Paying tribute to the Australian and presenting her with flowers and a Louis Vuitton branded gift on court, Tiley said: “Thanks for everything. Thanks for being Sam Stosur, and thank you for the difference that you have made to our great game.”
In her media conference, Stosur said she had not heard the crowd’s reaction.
“I didn’t notice the boos,” she said. “I don’t think it’s the time or place for that. It’s a little bit harsh. It’s an unfortunate situation that has unfolded and it’s behind us.

“If everyone could go back and changes things they would and hopefully nothing like that will happen again in the future.”

In

Craig Tiley copped a few boos when presenting Sam Stosur with a farewell gift #AusOpen

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) January 20, 2022

3:55pm DEMON TAKES FIRST

Alex de Minaur has taken out the first set against Kamil Majchrak out on Rod Laver Arena,

De Minaur recorded 16 winners and five aces in the first set and looks the goods early.

Will he be the next Aussie to advance to the third round?

2:33pm STOSUR BOWS OUT

A twenty year era has come to an end with Sam Stour’s Australian Open single’s campaign ending in the second round.

The Aussie favourite - affectionately known as Bam Bam Sam - was given a standing ovation on the Kia Arena as she bowed out 6-2, 6-2 to 10th seed Pavlyuchenkova.

While she still has the double competition to contest, Stosur was visibly moved by the reception from her home crowd.
“It was great to play out here again, thank you everyone for coming out and sharing this special moment,” Stosur said post-match.

“I’ve done more than I ever thought possible. I dreamed of winning a grand slam. To do what I have done is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“It’s been amazing.”
“Everyone that has been here for 20 years, they have shaped me into the person I am. My family, mum, dad, my brothers, giving everything up. I think it was all worth it. Thank your for giving everything you’ve got as well.”

Spectators showed their support fot Sam Stosur in the stands. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

2:20pm O’CONNELL PRODUCES STUNNING UPSET

Chris O’Connell has done it!

The Aussie wildcard, one of the feel-good stories of the Australian Open so far, has produced another stunning upset, bundling out 13th ranked Diego Schwartzman in straight sets 7-6, 6-4, 5-4.

He advances to the third round of a grand slam for the first time in his career.
Looking around the grounds to the other Aussies on court, Sam Stosur is down 4-2 in the second set after losing the first, while it is a set apiece for Maddison Inglis against American Hailey Baptiste.

12:58pm STARS BUNDLED OUT

French veteran Alize Cornet sent world number three and 2020 finalist Garbine Muguruza crashing out of the Australian Open in the second round upsetting the Spaniard 6-3, 6-3.

WTA Finals winner Muguruza struggled with her serve throughout the clash on Rod Laver Arena against her 61st-ranked opponent, losing in 1hr 27min.

Also out is massive women’s favourite Anna Kontaveit who many had tipped for a semi-final run.

They’re the latest big names to fall with Sofia Kenin, Sloane Stephens and Leylah Fernandez crashing out early.

The Spaniard recorded 33 unforced errors, while sixth seed Anett Kotaviet was taken down by rising teenager Clara Tauson 6-2, 6-4. Muguruza explained her “stressful” start to the year after her team contracted Covid.
“It’s been a pretty stressful start of the year also with my team,” Muguruza said post-match.

“They all got Covid before coming here. We were, like, for 15 days apart.

“It was hard for me for the preparation to come to the Aussie swing and play and perform well.

“That was tricky a little bit. Physically here I wasn’t also feeling my best. It was akind of stressful start of the year I would say, yeah.”

12:36pm COMEBACK O’CONNELL

Huge result!

Aussie wildcard Chris O’Connell has taken out a gruelling first set against 13th set Diego Schwartzman in a tie-break.

O’Connell was down 4-5 but broke late in the set to get it back to level pegging, before taking out a tense tie-break 8-6 to claim the 84-minute first set over the Argentinian.

Meanwhile, sixth seed Anett Kontaviet has been bundled out in straight sets by rising 19-year-old Clara Tauson, with the Norwegian winning 6-2, 6-4.

And another upset is brewing, with Alize Cornet closing in on a win over third seed Garbine Muguru after winning the first set and up a break in the second.

12:24pm KYRGIOS CALLS FOR DOORS OPEN

Rod Laver Arena will be at capacity – well, reduced – for Nick Kyrgios’ huge clash with world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev.

But Kyrgios has called for the doors to be thrown open.

The Victorian government has dictated that the stadium be at 50 per cent capacity for the tournament, with tickets for tonight officially sold out at lunchtime.

NOT EVEN SURPRISED!!! Let EM ALL IN!!! I SAY 100%%%%% https://t.co/yap27Vw9c1

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 20, 2022

“NOT EVEN SURPRISED!!!,” Kyrgios wrote on Twitter.

“Let EM ALL IN!!! I SAY 100%%%%%.”

11:40am DAN EVANS WALKOVER

Arthur Rinderknech is out of the Aus Open and Dan Evans gets into round three without stepping on court. The Frenchman has not yet confirmed the reason to withdrawing but there is a suggestion it is due to a wrist injury.

11:32pm SWIPE AT TEEN SENSATION

Emma Raducanu’s latest Grand Slam victim insisted ‘we’ll be here when she comes down’ in an apparent swipe at the British superstar.
And the US Open champion was told she ‘has a lot to learn’ on the tennis tour. Raducanu, 19, continued her winning streak at majors by beating Sloane Stephens 6-0 2-6 6-1 on her Australian Open debut.
She opened the match with one of her trademark forehand winners to go 15-0 up in the first game. The No17 seed then shouted a huge ‘come on’ inside the Margaret Court Arena.
But sour Stephens, who won the US Open in 2017 but is ranked 67th in the world, did not take kindly to the Bromley ace’s mind games.
Assessing the first-round defeat, she said: “Everyone saw after the first point she gave like a massive scream.
“She played me, someone she’s ranking-wise supposed to beat.
”Because she is so young it’s definitely a long road, so there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs.”I think she has just a lot to learn.
“I was talking to someone in the locker room and I’m like, ‘We’ll be here when she comes down.’”
But to avoid sounding too bitter, Stephens quickly added: “Not Emma but just in general.
”It all is like a cycle, and I think learning how to deal with it early on is the best way to handle it.”Just because there’s always a lot of ups and downs in tennis.”

11:15am INSANE PRICES FOR MERCH
If you’re heading to the Australian Open this year and want to leave with a souvenir, you might want to think again with fans expected to fork out insane amounts for a little merch.

Thirsty? It’s $99 for a water bottle.

Yes, a water bottle.

Is it lined with gold I hear you ask?

No, it’s just a bottle that you can put water in, and drink from.

Insane right.
Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter of the Australian Open clothing, so pricing is eye-watering.

An adult polo shirt will set you back $179, a kid’s jacket $319 and a canvas tote bag a whopping $249.

The Australian Open 2022 beach towel is $77, it will cost you $95 for a branded panama hat and if the AO decorated surf board takes your fancy, prepare to cough up $1,300.

Australian Open merchandise prices

Good news for fans, there is a sale section online where you can purchase 2021 items.

It’s not just the merchandise that’s riled the public with drinks and food also extortionate.

“It was absolutely ridiculous, the prices,” a punter told 3AW.

“A little can of gin and lemon was $11.70, but if you wanted non-alcoholic it was $11.50.

“My daughter bought bao buns for lunch — $18 for two little bao buns — chicken skewers were $18 and a bottle of water was $5.60.”

9:25am DJOKER JOINS BID TO CURE Covid

Novak Djokovic has joined the fight to rid the world of Covid-19, according to the chief executive of a biotech firm who says the world No 1 is a huge investor.

Ivan Loncarevic, CEO of Danish biotech firm QuantBioRes, refused to be drawn on the dollar value Djokovic had invested in the company but confirmed he invested in June 2020.

Serbian newspaper Politika reports “Jelena and Novak Djokovic have been owners of the Danish company since June 3, 2020.

“According to the Danish business register, Jelena’s share is 39.2 per cent, and Novak’s 40.8 per cent.”

According to reports, QuantBioRes has 11 researchers working across Denmark, Australia and Slovenia, but their work is geared towards a treatment, not a vaccine.

Tests are expected to start in the UK this year.

A spokesperson for Djokovic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

9am TILEY IS A WANTED MAN

Craig Tiley will be “headhunted” in a heartbeat if Tennis Australia sacks its gagged chief executive over the Novak Djokovic debacle, according to the man who resuscitated live sport in Australia when coronavirus first shut down the country.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys exclusively told News Corp he was flabbergasted at the raging criticism of Tiley, given his sparkling record across 17 years that have transformed the Australian Open into a worldwide event.

“As far as Craig Tiley’s concerned you have to look at what he actually did (with Djokovic). What he tried to do was to act in the best interests of his organisation,” V’Landys said.

“And that’s what a CEO is supposed to do. A CEO is supposed to put on the best possible event they can, maximise the revenue and maximise the attendances.

“That’s what he’s done. He hasn’t done anything that is untoward. You have to judge people on the total picture, and not on one per cent of it.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Germany's Alexander Zverev looks on as he plays against Australia's John Millman

8:42am PLAYERS AREN’T BEING TESTED

German superstar Alexander Zverev has lifted the lid on the Australian Open’s terrifying Covid crisis, revealing he suspects Covid-positive players are competing at this year’s event.

And the Olympic gold medal winner is going to extraordinary lengths to protect his title hopes this year.

On Wednesday, Frenchman Ugo Humbert explained he tested positive to Covid just hours after being eliminated from the tournament by countryman Richard Gasquet – and Zverev believes he’s far from the only athlete who could be carrying the virus.

The freedom afforded players, who this year can mingle with the public in bars and restaurants, could lead to a rise in players testing positive according to Zverev

“I think this year in Australia is a lot more cases than last year, simple as that,” Zverev said after thumping Australia’s John Millman in straight sets to advance to the third round, where he will face qualifier Radu Albot.

READ THE FULL STORY

7:40am LEAKED EMAIL CONFIRMS DJOKOVIC FATE

leaked email from the ATP has confirmed Novak Djokovic is set to be banned from this year’s French Open under new vaccination rules.

On Monday, the French health ministry announced vaccine passes will be required for visiting athletes for upcoming events. World No1 Djokovic, 34, was sensationally kicked out of Australia after his visa was cancelled following a long row regarding his anti-vax status.

France are set to introduce rules that will see the Serbian – one of just three players inside the world’s top 100 to have not been vaccinated – denied the chance to fight for his 21st Grand Slam in Paris.

And the ATP – the governing body of professional men’s tennis – has sent a blunt email to players informing them of the coming changes.

Players were sent a message with the subject line, reading: “IMPORTANT: France Vaccination Requirements.”

The email, seen by Tennis Majors, read: “[Players] have been informed by the French Tennis Federation that legislation will soon be passed by the French Government prohibiting non-vaccinated athletes from competing in any sporting event.

“It is currently uncertain whether players who have recently recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed to compete unless they have completed at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine.

“Further clarification from the French Government is required.”

Looking to further clarify the update, the message continued: “Non-vaccinated players will be unable to compete at tournaments in France.

“Players will have to be fully vaccinated to be eligible to compete, OR have a medical certificate that exempts them from vaccination due to medical reasons.

“Please note that no travel or other exemptions will be available.”

Earlier in the week, the French sports ministry said: “The rule is simple.

“The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass.

“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice.”

Originally published on The Sun

7:30am GOOD MORNING

It is day 4, otherwise known as Australia Day at the Open or in my book Nick Kyrgios set to stun the world Day. Not many expect the Aussie to come through his clash with Medvedev tonight but stranger things have happened right? Remember Wimbledon 2014? Nick beat Rafa. Never say never folks

Lots of news to get through. Let’s get into it.

Originally published as Daniil Medvedev slams ‘low IQ’ Melbourne crowd after defeating Nick Kyrgios