Medvedev destroys net camera in huge scare against Thai wildcard

MELBOURNE : Daniil Medvedev destroyed his racket and a net camera in a mid-match meltdown as he survived a huge scare against Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej to reach the Australian Open second round on Tuesday.

The frustrated Russian whacked his racket five times into the net after dropping serve in the third set before rallying to claim the match 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-2 in the afternoon sun at Rod Laver Arena.

The tantrum earned fifth seed Medvedev a code violation for racket abuse and held up play before the fourth set as staff swept up debris from the court.

In the end, the racket rage was probably a net benefit for Medvedev, who used the pause between sets to regroup before steamrolling the world number 418 Thai in the final sets.

"I know that I play better when I play more tennis so I was like, 'Why play one-hour-30 (minutes), minimum three hours to feel my shots better," joked last year's finalist.

"Second and third set I couldn't touch the ball. Full power, everything in - I didn't know what to do.

"He plays like this every match, life can be good, money, girls, casino, whatever.

"I wish he can play like this every match."

The first Thai in a men's Grand Slam main draw since Danai Udomchoke qualified for the 2012 Australian Open, Samrej appeared a complete mismatch on paper, having never played an ATP Tour-level match outside of Davis Cup.

But after a nervous start, giving up the first game with a double fault, the 23-year-old was a revelation.

Though nicknamed "Boom" in Thailand, Samrej worked his way into the match with splendid touch, landing drop shots from virtually anywhere to repeatedly outpoint one of the game's most dogged hustlers.

He also showcased serious firepower, with a bazooka forehand fired down the line earning