Paris: On his Roland-Garros debut, world No.172 Thiago Seyboth Wild has pulled off the victory of his life.
Recent Rome champion and No.2 seed Daniil Medvedev has led the men's tour with five titles and 39 wins in 2023, but Seyboth Wild rose to the occasion with an astonishing 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 triumph on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The Brazilian last competed in a Grand Slam main draw at the 2020 US Open and his reward is a second-round tussle with either Quentin Halys or Guido Pella.
It was clear from the opening exchanges that Seyboth Wild was going to swing freely and look to disrupt the world No.2's rhythm.
The 23-year-old wore down Medvedev in a 25-shot rally in the first set tiebreak, moments before rattling an inside-in forehand winner to steal the opener.
Medvedev used his Grand Slam pedigree to force his way back into the match, and a deft drop shot had Seyboth Wild skidding into the net.
However, relentless, brave hitting kept the qualifier in contention and into a second tiebreak. The rallies were becoming increasingly prolonged, with the majority finishing in Seyboth Wild's favour.
A crafty drop shot chalked up two set points for 6-4, but this time it unravelled. The Brazilian missed a routine forehand putaway and a simple overhead, gifting four points in row to allow the world No.2 to level.
The 2021 US Open champion's winning mentality clicked in and Medvedev scuttled forward to scoop a backhand crosscourt pass from down by his shoeslaces. His skills earned a thumbs up from Seyboth Wild as it seemed increasingly likely that Medvedev would march through to the finish.
But not so fast. The Brazilian, a two-time winner at ATP Challenger clay court tournaments this season, coped with the swirling wind and kept Medvedev off balance and off kilter.
The decider had the initiative switching hands until a firecracker forehand launched Seyboth Wild 4-3 up. The 23-year-old consolidated his advantage with a dinked volley to hold to love. It was time for Seyboth Wild to soak in the applause and revel in his finest moment. (UNI)
