DailyExpertNews
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The French Open has already seen a major shake-up when world number 2 Daniil Medvedev was knocked out in the first round by Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild on Tuesday.
The world No. 172 showed little nerve by beating Medvedev in a thrilling five-set encounter – 7-6(5) 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-4 – in over four hours on the track.
Medvedev is certainly not at his best on the surface, but came to Roland Garros after winning his first clay-court trophy at the Italian Open this year.
He was widely expected to beat Seyboth Wild – who was making his first grand slam main draw – but the Brazilian came out swinging and dominated the match with his powerful forehand in windy conditions.
“I’ve watched Daniil play my entire youth career, until today. Playing on this pitch against these types of players and beating him is a dream come true,” said 23-year-old Seyboth Wild during his on-pitch interview.
“When I walked down the court I just wanted to get to the net as much as possible and use my forehand against his and that worked pretty well.”
After winning the opening set, Seyboth Wild forfeited set points in the second allowing Medvedev to grow in the match.
The Russian then won the third set with ease, but continued to struggle with his consistency and was clearly frustrated.
It enabled the Brazilian to recover and take the match into a nerve-wracking deciding set where he kept his nerve to see a memorable victory over Philippe Chatrier.
After winning the match point with another crushing forehand, the beaming Brazilian turned to the crowd in disbelief before raising his arms.
“It was pretty tough. In the second set I started cramping. I did my best and tried to play my best tennis and it worked,” said Seyboth Wild. “I’m very happy with the way I played.”
In the second round he will face Quentin Halys or Guido Pella.
