Can Medvedev's Vintage Comeback Over Marozsan Propel Him to Round 4?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Melbourne, Jan 23 (NationPress) Daniil Medvedev executed a remarkable comeback after being "down two sets to love and a break," defeating world No. 47 Fabian Marozsan with scores of 6-7(5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday.
With this victory, Medvedev has now advanced to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the 18th time in his career. Since his debut at the Australian Open in 2017, only four players have achieved more: Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal, and Jannik Sinner.
Despite Marozsan’s relatively modest serve speed, Medvedev maintained his typical deep returning position and challenged the Hungarian to elevate his game for nearly four hours.
In his on-court interview, Medvedev stated, "He played great, and I thought, 'If I lose, I lose,' but I was determined to fight. I aimed to be more aggressive because he was moving me around. It worked, and I started playing better, so I’m pleased with that."
During his fifth career comeback, Medvedev secured a pivotal break at 5-5 in the third set, shifting the match's momentum. The three-time finalist in Melbourne went on to win nine consecutive games, ultimately clinching the match after three hours and 43 minutes.
The 11th seed, who has commenced his 2026 season with an impressive eight-match winning streak, including a title at the ATP 250 in Brisbane earlier this month, will face Learner Tien next. Tien advanced after a contrasting victory over Nuno Borges from Portugal, winning by scores of 7-6(9), 6-4, 6-2.
"We've faced each other three times, and every encounter has been fiercely contested. He has served for the match each time. Neither of us gives away many free points, which makes it tough for both of us. We must work hard for every point and game," Tien noted, referencing their last thrilling five-set battle at Melbourne Park last year.