PARIS (Reuters) – World No 2 Daniil Medvedev, experienced a shocking defeat in the opening round at the French Open this year as the highest-ranked player to be eliminated so early when he fell to Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild, 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Before the clay-court major, Seyboth Wild had only competed in one Grand Slam tournament - the 2020 US Open - and hadn’t yet claimed a main draw victory at a Tour-level event.
“I’ve watched Daniil play throughout my entire junior career and up until today,” said Seyboth Wild, who will face Argentine Guido Pella in the next round. “I’ve always dreamed about playing on this court, playing these kind of players. In my best dreams I’ve been beaten them, so it is a dream come true.”
The 23-year-old made 69 winners and, after losing two set points in the second set tie-break, elevated his game in the final two sets to record the most significant victory of his career.
Medvedev arrived in Paris freshly triumphant, having secured his first clay-tournament title just a week prior in Rome, but his second Grand Slam title hopes were dashed at the outset.
“For sure I’m really disappointed,” Medvedev confessed in a crowded press conference. “I’m going to be thinking about this match for a week. But for the moment, I don’t see anything wrong I did.”
The 27-year-old, who claimed the US Open championship in 2021, had won five titles this season, including two ATP Masters tournaments, surpassing any other player on the Tour.