Former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev has become a father for the second time just days before the Australian Open.

The three-time finalist has been absent from the build-up to the first grand slam of the year, with his low-key announcement solving the mystery.

Medvedev shared a single, undated photo of himself holding his newborn with first child Alisa also sitting on the hospital bed.

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“Happy 2025,” the US Open champion wrote.

The pregnancy had been a closely guarded secret.

Medvedev’s wife Daria, who did not feature in the post, is an occasional presence at his matches but was not pictured courtside at the majors in 2024.

Medvedev remains on the Australian Open entry list, with the draw due to take place on Thursday.

The 28-year-old did not play any lead-in tournaments in 2024 and held his first public session in Melbourne seven days before his opening match.

That strategy worked — Medvedev went all the way to the final, where he led two sets to love before collapsing to lose to Jannik Sinner.

Just when Medvedev lands in Melbourne this year remains unclear.

But the Australian Open organisers’ decision to extend the first round could help the current world No.5’s cause.

Helped by a new Sunday start, the opening round is scheduled to take place over three days — meaning Medvedev may still not need to play for the first time until Tuesday, January 14.