Former world number one Daniil Medvedev has fallen at the first hurdle of the French Open, suffering a shock 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 defeat to Australian wildcard Adam Walton. The match, characterized by wild swings in momentum on the Parisian clay, marks yet another early exit for Medvedev at a Grand Slam that has historically proven difficult for his game.Medvedev’s relationship with Roland-Garros remains complex.
Having fallen in the first round in six of his previous nine appearances at the clay-court major, the sixth seed once again struggled to find his rhythm on the slowest surface in tennis. His frustration was visible early on Tuesday as he dropped his serve, allowing the Australian to take a 4-2 lead. While he managed to regain composure, his errors proved costly as the match wore on.The momentum shifted dramatically throughout the contest.
Medvedev managed to stabilize his game in the second set, conceding only one game as he seemed to regain his tactical edge. However, the inconsistency that has plagued his clay-court campaigns resurfaced in the third set, which he surrendered with ease. The match became a battle of nerves, with both players struggling to maintain long streaks of dominance.The world number 97 capitalized on his opportunity.
Adam Walton, competing in a high-pressure environment, showed significant resolve to push the world number six to the limit. After losing the fourth set, the 27-year-old fought back in the decider, breaking Medvedev’s serve at 4-4 to earn the chance to serve for the match. He remained calm under pressure, eventually clinching one of the biggest victories of his career.Walton expressed his pride in his post-match interview.
He attributed his confidence to a previous victory over Medvedev in Cincinnati, which provided the blueprint for his success on Tuesday. The Australian acknowledged the exhausting nature of the encounter, noting that the physical demands of the five-setter were significant. He celebrated his ability to bounce back after a break down in the final set as the defining moment of the match.The journey continues for the underdog.
Walton now advances to the second round, where he will face American Zachary Svajda. For Medvedev, the exit prompts renewed questions about his preparation and performance on clay, a surface where he has yet to achieve sustained excellence. The tournament continues, but one of its biggest names has already exited the stage.
