Tennis-Dreams dashed, Medvedev laments the loss of the crowd

By Courtney Walsh

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - 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 U.S. 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.

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