Daniil Medvedev, last year’s Australian Open runner-up and world No. 5, has made an unceremonious exit from the 2025 tournament after a stunning second-round defeat to American teenager Learnen Tien. The grueling five-set battle ended with Medvedev’s temper boiling over, leaving him with a hefty $76,000 fine and a reputation to repair.
Medvedev’s meltdown: fines and frustration
Medvedev’s troubles began in his first-round match against world No. 418 Kasidit Samrej. Pushed to the brink in a five-set thriller, the Russian smashed a net camera in frustration during the third set, earning a $10,000 fine. While he eventually prevailed, the signs of an unraveling mindset were clear.
The chaos escalated in his second-round clash against Tien. Over nearly five hours, Medvedev unleashed a series of tantrums, including racquet abuse, heated arguments with the chair umpire, and ultimately skipping his mandatory post-match press conference, which was scheduled after 3 a.m. These violations compounded into a staggering $76,000 deduction from his prize money, overshadowing his on-court efforts.
A star is born: Tien stuns Medvedev in a thriller
The 17-year-old Learnen Tien delivered the performance of a lifetime, becoming the youngest American to reach the Australian Open third round since Pete Sampras in 1990. Tien’s 6-3, 7-6, 7-6, 1-6, 7-6 victory was a masterclass in resilience, as he outlasted Medvedev in a match tie-break that ended 10-7.
Despite Medvedev’s dominance in the fourth set, Tien held his nerve in the fifth, recovering from a late break to force the tie-break and seal the biggest win of his career.
“Tien played like a seasoned pro out there,” one analyst noted. “He capitalized on Medvedev’s frustration and made the most of every crucial point.”
Medvedev’s missteps: missed opportunities and mental lapses
Statistically, Medvedev had his chances. The Russian landed 20 aces but faltered with nine double faults and a first-serve percentage of just 56%. He won six more points overall than Tien but failed to capitalize on key moments, particularly in the final set.
The match featured a grueling 122 rallies of nine or more shots, with both players trading blows in a baseline war. While Tien hit 53 winners to Medvedev’s 52, the Russian’s 82 unforced errors proved costly.
A bitter end to a chaotic week
For Medvedev, the loss caps off an eventful few days, including the joyous occasion of becoming a father for the second time. However, his behavior in Melbourne overshadowed his on-court efforts, leaving fans and analysts questioning his focus and composure.
The Russian will need to regroup quickly if he hopes to bounce back in the 2025 season. While his ranking remains secure for now, this early exit—and the public fallout from his antics—could have lasting implications.
Tien’s bright future
As for Tien, the sky’s the limit. The young American now faces an incredible opportunity to build on his breakout moment at Melbourne Park. With his fearless play and poise under pressure, Tien has firmly positioned himself as a rising star to watch in the coming years.