2023 French Open: Brazilian Qualifier Wild Sends Medvedev Packing in First Round

• Daniil Medvedev lost to qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild in the first round of the French Open
• Their epic five-set encounter at Roland Garros on Tuesday lasted more than four hours
• Seyboth Wild entered the match 170 places behind Medvedev in the ATP world rankings

Many expected Daniil Medvedev to go on a deep run in the 2023 French Open.

He entered the year’s second Grand Slam event as one of the favorites after capturing the Rome Masters this month for his first-ever clay-court win.

Medvedev’s love affair with clay didn’t last long, though, as he suffered a shocking loss in the first round of this year’s French Open.

Seyboth Wild stuns Medvedev

Medvedev became the first big casualty at Roland Garros this year, losing in five sets to world No. 172, Seyboth Wild.

The Brazilian qualifier needed four hours and 15 minutes to record the stunning 7-6 (5), 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over the Russian, per ESPN.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores from penalty spot in crucial Al-Nassr win

Football

It was an incredible result for Seyboth Wild, who was playing in just his second-ever Grand Slam main draw match. The 23-year-old needed to win three matches last week in the qualifying rounds to make it into the men’s bracket.

The Brazilian didn’t waste his opportunity once he got there as he went toe to toe with Medvedev on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

He employed a high-risk, high-reward style in his match against the Roma Masters winner, which paid dividends.

Seyboth Wild had more winners than Medvedev, compiling a 69-45 advantage in their clash. He did most of his damage with his forehand, unleashing 47 winners on that side in the first round.

Medvedev struggles with serve

It helped Seyboth Wild that Medvedev was shaky with his serve. The No. 2 seed had 15 double faults on Tuesday.

It was a disappointing outcome for the Rome champion, who became the first No. 2 seed to lose in the first round of the French Open since Pete Sampras suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Mark Philippoussis in 2000.

Kylian Mbappe watches projected NBA top pick Victor Wembanyama ahead of Draft Lottery

NBA

With Medvedev’s exit, no major champions are left in the bottom half of the men’s draw, per NBC Sports.

The remaining top seeds are No. 4, Casper Ruud, who finished runner-up in last year’s French Open and U.S. Open, and No. 6 seed, Holger Rune.

Ruud powers past Ymer

Sports Brief recently reported on Ruud reaching the second round of the French Open.

He was in fine form against Swedish qualifier, Elias Ymer, beating him 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

The Norwegian star needed just two hours and seven minutes to record the victory.