Daniil Medvedev has become a record-breaker despite his Australian Open final loss to Jannik Sinner.
The Russian endured a gruelling tournament, in which he was pushed to the brink on numerous occasions. Only in that final round did it begin to show though.
He was steadfast and relentless, but lost out to the youthful and unrelenting energy of the 22-year-old.
It marked another Grand Slam defeat for the 27-year-old, who is still yet to add to his 2021 US Open title.
But what record did Medvedev actually break? Let’s take a closer look…
What record did Daniil Medvedev break at the Australian Open?
Whilst breaking records means little when you are not also the victor, it does actually offer some context as to how and why he fell away so dramatically in the final three sets.
After all, the world number three spent an extraordinary 24 hours and 17 total minutes on court throughout the seven matches that led to his eventual defeat in the final.
This was the first time ever that a player had surpassed a full day of play in a single Grand Slam, and Medvedev would react following the tournament.
He replied, in typically comical fashion: ‘It’s unbelievable as I say because after Sacha’s match I went to bed at 5 am again, never had such late sleep time. Crazy.’
Then asked about the record, he noted: ‘But at least I got a record in something, I’m in the history books for something. Let’s take it!’
The smile that followed was one that likely hid a thousand frustrations, but his ability to laugh in the darkest of times is what makes him one of the tour’s most-liked players.
Plenty more Grand Slam chances for Daniil Medvedev
Given Nick Kyrgios did not hold back in telling people just how poor Medvedev looked at junior level, it is impressive the rate at which he has proven him, and many other doubters wrong.
With an unorthodox hitting style and a gangly frame that some might consider awkward, few can argue with his athleticism and impeccable mindset.
This came to the forefront throughout the Australian Open, where he twice fought from two sets down to claim victory, first over Emil Ruusuvuori, and later over Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
However, it was this marathon attitude which proved his undoing in the final, as he had smothered Sinner in the opening two sets.
Dominating the world number four, the Rod Laver Arena had already resigned themselves to a cut and dry straight sets win in the final, before the Italian mounted a miraculous comeback that Medvedev would have been proud of.
But this should not leave the Medvedev disheartened, even if it will prove a hammer blow in the immediate aftermath.
He will have plenty more opportunities to add to his sole major title, and will already have his eyes set on revenge in New York later in the year.
For now, however, he must dust himself down and move forward. Fortunately, that is what he has been doing throughout his entire career, with great success.
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