Medvedev's Australian Open debut shows steady progress, with his path to recovery becoming increasingly clear

19/01/2026 13:24:00 pandatv

On January 19, 2026, Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park saw Daniil Medvedev make a strong return. The former PIF ATP world No.1 from Russia defeated Dutch player Jesper de Jong 7-5, 6-2, 7-6(2) in the first round of the Australian Open, improving his season record to a perfect 6-0 and laying a solid foundation for his 2026 Grand Slam campaign with a classic Medvedev-style victory.

Statistical insights: Breakpoint efficiency as the key to victory, resurgence in clutch point control

This match marked their first ATP Tour encounter, where Medvedev’s technical edge was clearly reflected in the stats. According to ATP data, he created 13 break point opportunities and converted 7, achieving a break success rate of 53.8%, well above the ATP Tour average of 35%. Behind this was his signature deep baseline pressure — de Jong’s first serve win rate was only 65%, and his second serve win rate dropped to 39%, leaving his service games constantly under threat from Medvedev’s relentless pressure.

Notably, Medvedev showed marked improvement in handling crucial points. After losing break advantages twice in the first set, he broke the deadlock late by varying his shot placement precisely; however, in the third set, he wavered on his serve at 5-4 and 6-5, allowing de Jong to level the score. Fortunately, Medvedev excelled in the tiebreak, winning decisively 7-2, demonstrating the mental maturity gained after a challenging 2025 season. Throughout the match, he committed only 21 unforced errors, below his seasonal average of 24, while scoring 38 points on offense — a 12% increase from the Brisbane final — restoring his attack-defense balance to peak levels.

Season trajectory: From Brisbane to Melbourne, a gradual revival

This victory represents a continuation and enhancement of Medvedev’s season-long resurgence. The 2025 season was a “dark period” for the Russian star — achieving only one Grand Slam win at the Australian Open and exiting in the first round of the other three majors, ending the year ranked 12th. Yet, he made timely adjustments late in the season, winning the ATP 250 event in Almaty, setting the stage for the new season.

Entering 2026, Medvedev exploded with form at the Brisbane International, defeating top players like Tsitsipas and Rublev to claim the title, firing 27 aces in the final and showcasing his long-missed serving power. Now at the Australian Open, under the guidance of coaches Thomas Johansson and Rohan Gajsek, he has further refined his tactics: reducing his previous overreliance on baseline rallies and increasing net approaches (winning 63% of points at the net this match). This tactical diversity enhances his adaptability against various opponents.

Looking ahead: Facing Alcaraz in round two, testing Grand Slam competitiveness

Medvedev’s next opponent in round two will be French playerQuentin Halys, who advanced by defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(2). Technically, Halys boasts strong serving and net play but is comparatively weaker in baseline rallies, which aligns with Medvedev’s strengths. However, Halys’ aggressive style could pose challenges if Medvedev fails to maintain his break point efficiency, potentially leading to a tough battle.

In Medvedev’s 4/8 section, top seed Aliassime (7) has already withdrawn mid-tournament. If Medvedev advances smoothly to the quarterfinals, he may face third seed Zverev there. For Medvedev, aiming to reclaim his peak form, the 2026 Australian Open is not just a tournament but the ultimate test of his comeback. As he said in a post-match interview: “Winning the first match means a lot, especially after last year’s struggles. The slow court conditions challenged both sides, but I’m glad I found a way to win despite fluctuations — that’s the charm of Grand Slam tennis.”