Medvedev Wins Over Aussie Crowd in Win Over Dutch Opponent

Daniil Medvedev of Russia takes a drink during a break in his third round match against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, on Jan. 22, 2022. Andy Brownbill/AP Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia—As Daniil Medvedev sat courtside trying to re-hydrate during a changeover, an image of nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic flashed up in the stadium behind him.

It was in the third set Saturday, and it was like the absent No. 1 was looking over the shoulder of the player who is effectively the No. 1 seed at the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.