A qualifier ranked 172, Thiago Seyboth Wild, stunned world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev in the Roland Garros first round! The Brazilian prevailed after an epic battle on Court Philippe-Chatrier, scoring a career-best 7-6, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win in four hours and 15 minutes! Medvedev, the world’s leading player this season, failed to win his 40th match in 2023, struggling in windy conditions against a determined rival and experiencing his worst result in Paris since 2020. The 23-year-old Seyboth Wild came to Paris with no Major wins under his belt, changing that in style and presenting the rich talent that had already led him toward an ATP title. Thiago played better behind the second serve and stayed competitive in the crucial moments. The Russian grabbed seven breaks, the same number as his opponent, but he got broken three times in the decider to hit the exit door.
Thiago Seyboth Wild defeated Daniil Medvedev in five sets at Roland Garros.
Thiago fired up his forehand and hit 69 winners and 77 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and keeping the points on his racquet. Seyboth Wild overpowered Medvedev in the mid-range rallies, staying composed and bringing home a shocker. Daniil grabbed a break in the encounter’s first game before losing the advantage at 2-1. The Russian saved break points in games six and eight and stayed in touch until the tie break. Thiago claimed it 7-5 for a massive boost of confidence. After they overcame difficulties in games eight and nine, there were no breaks in the second set, arranging another tie break.
The Brazilian led 6-4, wasting two set points and allowing the Russian to steal the breaker 8-6 and level the overall score. Seyboth Wild struggled with cramps but gave everything to continue and remain competitive. Daniil broke him three times in the third set, taking it 6-2 and becoming the favorite to emerge at the top. Seyboth Wild recovered in the fourth set, firing up his forehand again and breaking world no. 2 in games two and six for 4-2. The Brazilian delivered commanding holds in games seven and nine to wrap up the set 6-3 and force a decider. Thiago led 2-0 in the fifth set before Daniil climbed back, pulling a break back twice to level the score at 3-3. Seyboth Wild earned the crucial break in the seventh game and held with easy at 5-4 to seal the deal and start a massive celebration of his first Major victory!