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Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev, winner of the 2021 US Open, suffered a dramatic five-set loss to France’s Benjamin Bonzi – but it was his on-court meltdown that grabbed headlines.
The match at Louis Armstrong Stadium descended into chaos late in the third set when a photographer mistakenly walked onto the court as Bonzi was serving for the match at 6-3, 7-5, 5-4. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth halted play and announced that Bonzi would be given another first serve due to “onside interference.”
The decision enraged Medvedev, who stormed to the umpire’s chair, shouting: “Are you a man? Why are you shaking? He wants to go home guys, he doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
The former champion then riled up the crowd, who loudly booed as the argument dragged on for nearly seven minutes. When Bonzi finally resumed play, he double-faulted, allowing Medvedev back into the set, which he eventually won in a tiebreak to extend the match.
Bonzi Seals Victory After Chaotic Delay
Despite the outburst, Bonzi regained composure and closed out the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4. A frustrated Medvedev smashed his racket against his chair as the Frenchman celebrated a career-defining victory.
Speaking afterward, Medvedev admitted he may have gone too far:
“What I say and what I do, in my head, I want to do worse, and I cannot because there are rules. So I just expressed my emotions, my unhappiness with the decision, and then the crowd did what they did. It was fun to witness.”
However, he hinted at a looming punishment, adding: “I’m getting a big fine enough, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak.”
Bonzi Criticizes Medvedev’s Behaviour
Bonzi, who held his nerve despite the disruption, expressed disappointment with Medvedev’s conduct:
“Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire. He went crazy with the crowd. Honestly, I never saw that.”
The loss marks a tough start to Medvedev’s 2025 US Open campaign and raises questions about his discipline, as the 29-year-old faces sanctions for his conduct.
