Sawt Falasteen - Feisty Medvedev hopes positive mindset pays off at Australian Open

The colourful Russian battled through 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) on a hot Margaret Court Arena and will meet French qualifier Quentin Halys in round two.

But it was a less-than-convincing performance from the 29-year-old, who was twice broken serving for the match.

At least he was on his best behaviour, unlike last year, when Medvedev was fined for mangling his racquet and a net camera in an epic temper tantrum at the same stage.

"I've made a big push to try to be more positive on the court. So far I'm doing it well," he said.

"But I'm never the guy to say, 'okay, now, not anymore'. We don't know what's coming, but I'm just trying to be positive on the court as I am in life, actually."

The former world number one, now ranked 12, warmed up for another crack at the Melbourne Park title by winning the Brisbane International.

Medvedev, the 2021 US Open winner, has reached three of the last five finals in Melbourne.

He was outplayed by Novak Djokovic in 2021 before a heart-wrenching defeat to Rafael Nadal a year later.

He imploded against Jannik Sinner in 2024, crashing in five sets after being two up.

Medvedev was knocked out in round two last year, followed by first-round defeats at the other three majors.

"I don't really go too much into the past. What happened last year happened, and it's okay," he said.

"It's part of my career, part of life. I managed to finish the year like 12 or 13, which is, to be honest, it's great for many players."

He has since split with long-time coach Gilles Cervara and started working with a former Australian Open champion, Thomas Johansson, and Rohan Goetzke.

"It's a bit different so now it's a breath of fresh air, feeling good, I'm feeling great on court physically," he said.

W.AbuLaban--SF-PST