Paris, May 26: Daniil Medvedev’s struggles at Roland Garros continued on Tuesday. The world number five faced an unexpected defeat in the first round against Australian wildcard Adam Walton, losing in five sets (6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4). The match lasted for 3 hours and 22 minutes.
This victory marked Walton’s biggest career win, as it was his first against a top-10 player. Throughout his ten appearances at the French Open, this was the seventh time Medvedev exited in the first round. His record in five-set matches at Roland Garros now stands at a disappointing 0-4.
The match was a thrilling contest on clay, with momentum shifting back and forth. Walton faced significant challenges, especially as Medvedev attempted to dominate in the last three sets. Struggling with the heat in Paris, Medvedev even took a timeout during the second set when changing ends.
In the fifth set, when Medvedev was leading 4-2, it seemed he was on track for an easy win. However, Walton turned the tide by winning four consecutive games, ultimately clinching the match. Walton will face American world number 108, Jakery Swajda, in the second round.
On another note, French tennis celebrated a success as 17-year-old Moïse Kouame achieved a stunning upset in his Grand Slam debut, defeating former US Open champion Marin Cilic with a score of 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-1.
With this victory, Kouame became the youngest French player to win at Roland Garros since 1991. His next match will be against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, as Britain’s Cameron Norrie withdrew from his first-round match.
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