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Daniil Medvedev's 'savage' snub for fans in Australian Open speech

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Daniil Medvedev, pictured here in his runner-up speech at the Australian Open.
Daniil Medvedev didn't thank the crowd in his runner-up speech at the Australian Open. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)

Daniil Medvedev wasn't exactly a fan favourite at the Australian Open this year.

The pantomime villain was relentlessly booed by fans throughout his two weeks in Melbourne, including during Sunday night's final against Rafa Nadal.

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The World No.2 had a running battle with chair umpire John Blom during the final, with Medvedev infuriated that the official wasn't doing more to keep the crowd in check.

"Step up, man, it's the final of a grand slam!" Medvedev shouted at Blom after dropping serve to fall behind 3-2 in the fourth set.

"(Saying) 'please' is not enough. They are idiots. With idiots, 'please' doesn't work. Step up."

During his runner-up speech, Medvedev saw the perfect chance to get back at the crowd that plagued his campaign at Melbourne Park

Just when it seemed the Russian star was going to thank the crowd, he completely snubbed them and thanked his team for a second time.

“Last but not least”, he said, seemingly building up to acknowledge the crowd, “just wanted to thank my team again.”

The brutal snub immediately lit up social media.

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Medvedev only had himself to blame following a mental and physical implosion during his 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 defeat.

But the enigmatic Russian conceded during the on-court presentation that he simply couldn't go the distance with Nadal, who surged to a record-setting 21st grand slam men's singles crown early on Monday morning.

"(The match) was insane. I think the level was very high," Medvedev said.

"You (Nadal) raised your level after two sets (to win) a 21st grand slam.

"I thought he was going to get tired and maybe he did just a little, but still won the match."

Daniil Medvedev, pictured here in his post-match press conference after the Australian Open final.
Daniil Medvedev speaks in his post-match press conference after the Australian Open final. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)

Medvedev continued his battle with local fans, having first drawn their ire when he said those who booed him during a second-round win over Nick Kyrgios "probably have a low IQ".

The Russian struggled with leg cramps and looked increasingly weary as Nadal fought his way back into the match, giving the crowd sarcastic applause several times after they cheered his errors.

The loss was the second time Medvedev has coughed up a two-set lead at a grand slam following a first-round defeat to Pierre-Hugues Herbert at Roland Garros in 2019.

In one last moment of controversy, Medvedev appeared to mutter the word "boring" as Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka spoke during the presentation ceremony.

Nadal sympathised with his beaten opponent in a classy victory speech.

"I know it's a tough moment. Daniil, you are an amazing champion," Nadal said.

"I have been in this position a couple of times at this tournament.

"I have no doubt you will have this trophy a couple of times in your career.

"It has been one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career and to share the court with you is just an honour."

with AAP

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