Hamad Medjedovic pushed himself to the limit during a dramatic Italian Open victory that became so physically brutal Sky Sports commentators were forced to apologise live on air after cameras captured the Serbian vomiting on court moments before the match ended. The 22-year-old world No. 67 battled back from a set down to defeat Mariano Navone 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a gruelling three-hour contest on Court Pietrangeli to reach the round of 16 of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time in his career. However, the physical toll of the match became clear late in the deciding set when Medjedovic stepped up to serve for victory. After earning a second match point opportunity, the Serbian walked behind the baseline and suddenly vomited onto the clay as exhausted spectators inside the packed stadium watched on. Sky Sports commentator Naomi Cavaday immediately apologised to viewers after the moment was accidentally shown during the live broadcast. “Ooh. Well, he has been battling for three hours, he might be coming up against his limits here. Can we get through one more point? Sorry that we got that on camera, everyone,” Cavaday said on commentary. Still holding match point, Medjedovic quickly made his way to the bench to recover before returning to court. “Just a delay as he has a drink, washes his mouth out. We are going to play the match point now. Just needs to find a way over the line now,” Cavaday added.
Medjedovic eventually seals emotional breakthrough win
The delay frustrated parts of the crowd inside Court Pietrangeli, with some spectators whistling and jeering while waiting for the Serbian to resume play. When action restarted, Medjedovic initially failed to close out the match, sending a forehand long on his second match point. But moments later he finally completed the comeback victory at the third attempt, collapsing emotionally after securing the biggest Masters 1000 result of his career. “And he’s done it! He’s pushed himself to the limit, and possibly beyond. His coach can’t believe it. What an effort, what a fight. This court has been jam-packed all day, for every moment of this match,” Cavaday said. “Navone is not happy, but it’s Hamad Medjedovic who is into the round of 16. He’s left it all out there, and then some. He will play Martin Landaluce for a spot in the quarter-final.” The emotional scenes after match point were a sharp contrast to Medjedovic’s previous match in Rome, when the Serbian became one of the talking points of the tournament after knocking out Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in a heated third-round clash.
Serbian star’s viral celebration had already made headlines in Rome
Before facing Navone, Medjedovic had already survived another exhausting three-set battle against Fonseca, eventually winning 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(1) after taking 11 of the final 12 points in the deciding tiebreak. The atmosphere during that match was heavily in favour of Fonseca, with the Brazilian teenager receiving overwhelming crowd support throughout the contest. After sealing victory, Medjedovic turned directly toward the stands and delivered a celebration that quickly went viral across social media. The Serbian mimicked a sleeping gesture by placing his hands beside his face as if going to sleep before blowing kisses toward the crowd, effectively signalling the end of Fonseca’s run in Rome.
Medjedovic celebrated by mimicking a sleeping gesture, placing hands by his face, then blowing kisses toward the crowd in Rome/ Image: Tennis TV
The celebration was widely compared to Stephen Curry’s famous “Night, Night” taunt, which the NBA star popularised during playoff games with the Golden State Warriors. Speaking afterwards, Medjedovic sarcastically thanked the crowd for motivating him and helping him become “locked in” after losing the opening set, in comments many felt echoed the mentality of fellow Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic, who has often used hostile crowds as competitive fuel throughout his career.
Medjedovic now faces Martin Landaluce in Rome
The Serbian’s run in Rome continues a strong clay-court season for the 22-year-old. Last month, Medjedovic came through qualifying at the Barcelona Open before reaching the semi-finals, a run that included a victory over third seed Alex de Minaur. He now advances to the round of 16 in Rome, where he will face lucky loser Martin Landaluce on Tuesday, May 12, on the Nicola Pietrangeli Stadium court, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
