Australia’s Alex de Minaur has sent former world number one Daniil Medvedev crashing out of the Paris Masters.
It is one of the most significant results of “The Demon’s” career, knocking off a Top 5-ranked player for the first time.
The world number 25 left the Russian seething as he regained the momentum in the third set and went on to win 6-4 2-6 7-5 in a match that stretched two hours and 46 minutes.
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Medvedev smashed his racquet into the hard court after losing on match point before walking up to shake hands with the 23-year-old.
De Minaur had lost all 18 of his previous matches against Top 5 opponents.
He will now face US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe in the last 16.
English tennis journalist James Gray posted on Twitter there was a special moment behind the scenes for de Minaur’s girlfriend, English star Katie Boulter.
“Amazing win for Alex de Minaur against Daniil Medvedev,” Gray wrote on Twitter.
“Was in the room with Katie Boulter when he sealed victory. She had it on her phone but fair play, kept calm and kept doing the interview until the end and then check to see he had sealed it. Lovely moment.”
De Minaur rallied from 0-2 in a topsy-turvy final set but squandered two match points on the Russian’s serve in a gripping 10th game.
Despite that disappointment, he was again aggressive on return at 6-5 and a Medvedev double fault on a fourth match point at 30/40 gave De Minaur the biggest win of his career.
After dropping the opening set, third-ranked Medvedev appeared to be back in control as he romped through the second set to level the match.
But the Russian became increasingly agitated, losing confidence, especially on his serve, and delivered a string of unforced errors.
He let out his frustration at the end of the match and looked agitated as he spoke towards the crowd before he shook hands with De Minaur.
Medvedev was criticised by fans for lacking class in the moment that belonged to De Minaur.
— with AFP
