Thiago Seyboth Wild, ranked 172nd in the world, delivered a stunning upset against world number 1 Daniil Medvedev at Roland Garros on Tuesday in a match that stretched for 4 hours and 17 minutes. The final scoreline read 7-6 (5), 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, marking a heavy blow to the Russian who arrived in Paris after lifting the Rome title and collecting five trophies this season.
For Medvedev, the French Open seemed headed toward a quiet exit, much like fellow big names Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the early rounds. Seyboth Wild, born in Rondonopolis, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, aged 23, did not appear fazed by the stage and instead pressed the match with aggressive, bold play that kept his opponent constantly on the defensive.
Medvedev faced a real test from the start. Seyboth Wild issued a clear warning by breaking early and pushing the opening set to a tiebreak, which he won 7-5. The Brazilian carried that momentum into the second set, forcing Medvedev to the limit in another breaker where the Russian flirted with victory at 6-4 before Seyboth Wild rebounded to level the score. The drama continued as Medvedev found himself up a break in the third, only to see the Brazilian respond with a tightened game plan that swung the match back in his favor. The subsequent sets showcased Seyboth Wild’s confidence and pace, and he secured the fifth set with a powerful forehand that found its mark repeatedly against the world’s top seed.
trap match
The Brazilian reminded observers of a veteran demolition on the court with a precise forehand, a dependable serve, and exceptional mobility. Those tools rattled Medvedev and left him searching for solutions as the match swung back and forth on Philippe Chatrier. Medvedev’s serve wobbled under pressure, with 14 double faults and several service breaks contributing to an outcome that favored the challenger. Seyboth Wild finished with a surge of 46 winners, capped by a relentless closing shot that sealed the contest.
Medvedev’s title hopes at Roland Garros evaporated in a match that defied expectations. The setback adds another layer of pressure for the Russian as he contends with the challenging clay season. If the surface and the Brazilian’s form were to be read as a message, it signals that clay at Roland Garros can yield surprising results even for the sport’s top names. The night closed with Seyboth Wild celebrating a breakthrough moment on the Parisian dirt, a chapter that will be remembered by fans as a thrilling upset in the Easy Paris round of 16.
Analysts noted Seyboth Wild’s potential to challenge higher-ranked players on clay after this victory. The 2018 US Open junior champion demonstrated maturity beyond his years by keeping Medvedev off balance, locating his forehand cross-court with tempo, and mixing in occasional drop shots to widen the court. The Brazilian’s victory style—aggressive, direct, and fearless—suggests he could become a recurring threat on clay in the season ahead. The Paris crowd responded with energy, acknowledging a performance that elevated Seyboth Wild toward the upper echelons of the rankings.
In the post-match interviews, Seyboth Wild expressed satisfaction with his performance and the joy of competing at a grand slam event. He stated he went out on the court ready to give his best and that the plan was to keep applying pressure with his forehand and return game. This win added a notable achievement to a year already filled with compelling results for the Brazilian, who has shown steady progress on a surface that demands patience, tactical nuance, and physical endurance. The match will be remembered as a vivid example of clay-court resilience and the thrill of a five-set battle on a major stage, where the underdog claimed a defining victory against the sport’s top player.