Seyboth Wild convinced with his risky style of play: The 23-year-old recorded 77 unforced errors, but managed 69 winners. In addition, Medvedev committed 15 double faults. Seyboth Wild finally initiated the decision in the fifth set with a break in the seventh game, then he served out.
“I’ve followed Daniil on TV my entire junior career, in my best dreams I wouldn’t have even competed against him. It’s just unbelievable that this is happening now. I had a few cramps but just tried to play my best tennis. It worked over a long distance,” said the Brazilian, who was applauded by the crowd. For Seyboth Wild it was the first game in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.
Qualifier beats Medvedev
Co-favorite Daniil Medvedev was eliminated at the start of the French Open in Paris. The number two seeded Russian lost to Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild on Tuesday: World number 172 won in 4:15 hours 7:6 (7/5) 6:7 (6/8) 2:6 6:3 6:4.
Medvedev had only won his first title on clay at the Masters 1000 event in Rome shortly before the major event in Paris, thereby underpinning his contenders for the title in Roland Garros. “Today I had my mouth full of sand since the third game because of the wind and the dry course. I don’t know if people like to eat sand, to have it in their pockets, their shoes and their socks. Maybe people like that, I definitely don’t,” Medvedev explained.
Medvedev happy about the end of the clay court season
He is therefore happy that the clay court season is over for him. “Whenever it ends, I’m happy. Once in the quarterfinals, once in the fourth round, often in the first round. None of that matters.” Medvedev gave roses to his opponent. “If he keeps playing like this, I think he’ll be in the top 30 by the end of the year,” he surmised. When he said something similar last time, it didn’t happen afterwards, Medvedev added with a smile.
Off at the start: For Medvedev, the French Open is already over
Seyboth Wild won his only ATP Tour title so far in Santiago in 2020. This season has seen him show off his clay court skills at the lower level with two Challenger titles in Vina del Mar and Buenos Aires in March and April.
Remaining favorites continue
Last year’s finalist Casper Ruud, in contrast to Medvedev, easily reached the second round. The 24-year-old Norwegian easily defeated the Swedish qualifier Elias Ymer 6:4 6:3 6:2. World number one Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and Serbian Novak Djokovic had previously completed their opening tasks in three sets. Ruud was clearly inferior to Rafael Nadal in his 14th French Open triumph in last year’s final. The Spaniard is missing this edition of the clay court classic due to injury.
The sixth-ranked Dane Holger Rune lost a set in the 6: 4 3: 6 7: 6 (7/2) 6: 2 against the French Open debutant Christopher Eubanks (USA). In the women’s category, Iga Swiatek confidently started the title defense. The world number one prevailed against the Spaniard Cristina Bucsa 6:4 6:0.
