Medvedev weathers the Storm: 11th Seed Survives Halys Scare in Melbourne

The match served as a significant test of Medvedev’s self-proclaimed "new positive mindset." After a 2025 season marked by emotional outbursts and a slip in the rankings, the former world number one remained composed even as Halys fired winners from all angles in the early stages. The victory extends Medvedev's unbeaten start to the 2026 season to 7-0, following his title-winning run in Brisbane, signaling that the "Octopus" is once again a major threat on the hard courts of Melbourne Park.

The Marathon Opening: A Tiebreak Heartbreak

The first set was a high-octane battle of contrasting styles, with Halys utilizing his massive serve and aggressive net play to keep Medvedev on the defensive. The Frenchman saved multiple break points with clutch serving, forcing an intense tiebreak that pushed both players to their limits. In a sequence that lasted over 20 points, Halys finally clinched the set 11-9, capitalising on a rare unforced error from the Russian to take a surprise lead under the blistering Melbourne sun.

Medvedev’s frustration was briefly evident as the second set began, particularly when Halys broke his serve in the very first game to take a 1-0 lead. However, unlike in previous years where such a setback might have led to a mental collapse, the 11th seed took a deep breath and immediately went to work. He broke back instantly with a stunning two-handed backhand winner down the line, a shot that seemed to deflate Halys and shift the momentum of the match permanently.

Turning the Tide: Tactical Adjustments in the Second

As the second set progressed, Medvedev began to find his rhythm from the baseline, standing deeper to neutralize Halys’s powerful serve. By increasing the rally length, he forced the Frenchman into physical territory he was clearly uncomfortable with. The Russian rattled off three consecutive games to lead 3-2 and never looked back, closing out the set 6-3 with an array of pinpoint groundstrokes that moved his opponent from side to side.

The statistics from the second set highlighted the shift in dominance; Medvedev’s unforced errors dropped significantly, while his first-serve percentage climbed toward 80%. He began to exploit Halys's backhand wing, consistently hitting heavy, deep balls that prevented the Frenchman from stepping into the court. This tactical discipline allowed the former champion to conserve energy while forcing Halys to expend maximum effort just to stay in the games.

Physical Attrition: Wearing Down the Frenchman

By the start of the third set, the physical toll of the match began to show on Halys, who had already played several long matches during the qualifying rounds. Medvedev, known for his elite stamina, seemed to grow stronger as the temperatures rose. He broke early in the third set and held his service games with clinical efficiency, often winning points in under four shots by utilizing his "serve-plus-one" strategy to great effect.

Halys attempted to shorten points with frequent serve-and-volley forays, but Medvedev’s passing shots were too precise. The Russian’s ability to "scramble" and return balls that appeared to be winners frustrated the Frenchman, leading to a flurry of double faults and unforced errors. With a 6-4 third-set win, Medvedev took a commanding 2-1 lead, and the result felt inevitable as the match entered its fourth hour.

The Final Flourish: Aces and Confidence

The fourth set was a one-sided affair as Medvedev’s confidence soared and Halys’s resistance faded. The 11th seed began to play more aggressively, stepping up to the baseline and punishing short balls with his flat, penetrating forehand. He raced to a 5-1 lead in less than 25 minutes, leaving Halys with no answers for the relentless pressure being applied from the other side of the net.

Medvedev finished the match in style, firing his 14th ace out wide to seal the victory. In his post-match interview, he admitted that he is still getting used to the speed of the courts this year but felt "definitely better" than in his opening round. The victory was a statement of intent, proving that even when he is not at his clinical best, his mental fortitude and tactical intelligence are enough to see him through dangerous early-round encounters.

Third Round Outlook: A Hungarian Challenge Awaits

Next up for Medvedev is a third-round clash against Fabian Marozsan of Hungary, a player known for his giant-killing capabilities on big stages. Marozsan, who famously upset Carlos Alcaraz in Rome a few years ago, will provide a different kind of challenge with his heavy use of drop shots and unconventional angles. Medvedev will need to remain alert and mobile to avoid being drawn into the Hungarian’s web of variety.

Despite being seeded lower than usual at 11, Medvedev is currently viewed by many analysts as a "dark horse" for the title given his recent form in Brisbane. His path to the quarter-finals looks manageable if he can maintain the level of play shown in the final three sets against Halys. As the tournament moves into the business end, the tennis world is watching closely to see if the three-time finalist can finally go one step further and claim the elusive Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.