Dreams dashed, Medvedev laments the loss of the crowd

MELBOURNE: As Daniil Medvedev began to absorb the reality of the most testing loss of his career, the Russian was crestfallen over the lack of support he received in the Australian Open final.

For half of the decider against Rafael Nadal, Medvedev appeared to have a second Grand Slam title on his racquet as he blasted winners from the baseline past the ageing champion.

After his 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 loss to Nadal in almost five and half hours, he lamented the lack of support that had eventually crushed his spirit, though he fought valiantly to the end.

"Before Rafa serves even in the fifth set, there would be somebody ... like one guy screaming, 'C'mon, Daniil'," he said.

"(But) a thousand people would be like 'Tsss, tsss, tsss'. That sound. It's disappointing. It's disrespectful. I'm not sure ... I'm going to want to play tennis."

The world number two has been cast as the pantomime villain of this Australian Open.

At different stages he has appeared to thrive on the negative energy directed towards him, just as he did at the US Open in 2019, another five-setter against the Spaniard.

He was beaten in that match in New York as well, but by the time he reached the decider, Medvedev had won the crowd back and enjoyed a grudging level of support.

This was less evident in Melbourne, where the behaviour of the fans has been controversial and widely debated.

The catcalls kept coming for Medvedev, who appeared to be tasked with beating both Nadal and the near capacity attendance supporting him in his bid for a historic 21st major title.

Medvedev seemed to play up the crowd for a period, just as he had done in earlier matches. He was belligerent too, both with the umpire and also with the ball kids, which scarcely earned him any friends.