Russian world no.2 Daniil Medvedev has accused the pro-Nick Kyrgios crowd of being disrespectful during his 7-6(1) 6-4 4-6 6-2 win over the Australian in the second round at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday night.
Only two days after the crowd attracted criticism following Kyrgios' first-round victory over Britain's Liam Broady, Australian Open supporters were again put in the spotlight by Medvedev.
The second seed first accused supporters of making noise during his service, particularly in crucial points, before admonishing the rowdy crowd for drowning out the post-match interview questions from Jim Courier.
Medvedev also showed his discontent to the crowd upon winning the match with a celebration demonstrating his feeling toward how he was treated.
"I came to win the match and I'm happy I managed to do it," Medvedev said to Courier in his post-match interview, while the crowd continued to do the Cristiano Ronaldo 'siiiiiuuu' chant in the background.
"The only choice [was to keep my emotions in check] when I was being booed between my first and second serve. It's not easy. So I just had to be calm and win the match."
When Courier tried to explain to Medvedev that the fans weren't booing him but it was a Ronaldo-connected chant, the Russian reacted angrily as fans started to make the 'siiiiiuuu' chant during the interview.
"Sorry I can't hear you," Medvedev said to Courier. "Guys, I can't hear him (Courier), show some respect for Jim Courier, thank you.
"Let him speak please guys. If you respect somebody, at least respect Jim Courier. I cannot hear him guys.
"What I'm saying is that between first and second serve [there was noise], it's not easy. I remember it was actually when the games I lost, on the break points, it was just the case and it was tough to play."
The Russian won the entertaining match in four sets, which included some magnificent shot making and an underarm serve from Kyrgios, while the Australian also argued regularly with the chair umpire.
Medvedev will face Netherlands player Botic Van De Zandschulp in the fourth round on Saturday, with the Russian the highest-ranked player in the draw after Novak Djokovic's deportation.
