Daniil Medvedev’s path through the Australian Open 2026 grid cannot be called comfortable. In the third round, the Russian had to spend almost four hours on the court, survive two lost sets and go through a protracted psychological crisis right during the match. The opponent was Fabian Marozan, a Hungarian who has proven more than once that he is capable of breaking the rhythm of the favorites and imposing heavy, sticky tennis.

Initially it was clear that it would not be easy. But few people expected such a thriller.

Whom Medvedev has already passed at the Australian Open

Australian Open 2026 for Daniil Medvedev began without extravaganza, but with the necessary result. In the first round, the Russian met with the Dutchman Jesper de Jong. The match turned out to be difficult: almost three hours on the court, a tight fight and a tiebreaker in the third set. Medvedev served seven aces, worked actively on the receiving end and managed to put the pressure on his opponent at key moments – 7:5, 6:2, 7:6 (7:2).

Daniil Medvedev / Photo: © Fred Lee / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

In the second round, Daniil faced Frenchman Quentin Halis. The scenario turned out to be similar: the starting game remained with the opponent, but then Medvedev gradually took the initiative. He became more accurate in his rallies, reduced the number of mistakes and confidently advanced to the third round, winning three sets in a row – 6:7 (9:11), 6:3, 6:4, 6:2. Even then it was noticeable that the Russian was still far from ideal form, but compensated for this through patience and experience.

Medvedev is on the verge of relegation

The match with Fabian Marozan began for Medvedev with a positive signal – a fast break. However, the Hungarian immediately returned serve and made it clear that he was determined to play on an equal footing. Already in the first set, the Russian was close to a second break several times, but did not capitalize on his chances. Gradually, Marozhan began to feel more confident, began to impose long rallies more often and brought the game to a tiebreaker, where he acted more calmly – 7:6 (7:5).

Daniil Medvedev / Photo: © Lintao Zhang / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

In the second set the picture became even more alarming. Medvedev often lost rallies on his serve, did not find the depth of his shots and looked confused. Marozhan led with a break 3:1, then increased the advantage, and each game won by the Russian was given with great difficulty. Even a reverse break did not help turn the tide of the game – the Hungarian again took Medvedev’s serve and closed the set – 6:4. After two games, the Russian found himself in an extremely difficult position, losing in sets and not controlling the game.

Turning point: patience, a series of games and the “steering wheel”

The third set began with a new blow – Marozhan immediately made a break. At this moment the situation looked almost critical. But this is where Medvedev managed to change the nature of the match. He began to play with more restraint, reduced risks, began to delay rallies more often and wait for his opponent’s mistakes. A reverse break restored equality, and then the game went on without a clear advantage for any of the opponents.

With the score 5:5, Medvedev increased his aggression and won two key games in a row, taking the set. This episode became a turning point. The Russian felt confident, but Marozhan, on the contrary, began to lose freshness and accuracy.

The fourth set was already under the complete control of Medvedev. He won the game to zero in just 19 minutes. The Hungarian was noticeably tired, began to be late to the balls and make more and more mistakes, while the Russian calmly did his job.

Daniil Medvedev / Photo: © Lintao Zhang / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

In the fifth set, Marozhan still tried to cling to the match, even managed to make a reverse break, but physically he could no longer maintain the pace. Medvedev again took the lead with a break, confidently came out to serve for the match and brought the match to victory – 6:3.

In total, the opponents spent 3 hours 46 minutes on the court. This victory was Medvedev’s tenth in five-set matches in his career and the fifth after going 0:2 in sets. It is noteworthy that he made four such comebacks precisely at the Australian Open, a tournament that regularly tests his endurance and character. In the fourth round of the Australian Open, Daniil Medvedev will play with American Lerner Thien, the 29th racket in the world and the 25th seed. He lost to him in Melbourne last year, so it’s time to take revenge.