In a stunning display of drama, Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, faced an unexpected disruption during his first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi, resulting in a tumultuous exit from the tournament. As Medvedev approached match point at 5-4 in the third set, a photographer inadvertently strolled onto the court, igniting chaos that would alter the course of the game.
The incident unfolded when the photographer, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, interfered between Bonzi's serves. Umpire Greg Allensworth ruled in favor of granting Bonzi another first serve, inciting Medvedev’s ire and rallying New York's crowd to erupt in discontent. A six-minute and 24-second delay ensued while tension grew palpable, eventually resulting in Bonzi losing focus and failing to secure his victory.
In the early hours following the prolonged match, Bonzi eventually prevailed with a final score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4. Medvedev, who has only managed one Grand Slam win this year, expressed his frustration: “I just expressed my emotions, my unhappiness with the decision.” Following the incident, the US Tennis Association confirmed the photographer's credentials had been revoked for the remainder of the tournament.
The chaos marked another chapter in Medvedev’s storied history at Flushing Meadows, where he has often found himself in the spotlight, both positively and negatively. Known for his antics, the usually composed player turned into a conductor of chaos, ushering support from the audience as he vocally disagreed with the umpire. The moment drew parallels to Medvedev's earlier unsettling interactions with audiences, including provocatively celebrating during matches and conversing with the crowd.
Despite the spirited performance and crowd support, the mishap left Medvedev visibly shaken. Following the match, he sat silently, overwhelmed with emotion, before severely damaging his racquet against the court's bench. He revealed post-match that the thought of retirement crossed his mind during the game, signifying the weight of his current struggles. “Not today, but you never know where you want to do it,” he expressed pensively.
As Medvedev faces the prospect of slipping out of the top 20 rankings, his passion and intensity on court remain both a testament to his competitive spirit and a reflection of ongoing challenges he must contend with moving forward.
The incident unfolded when the photographer, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, interfered between Bonzi's serves. Umpire Greg Allensworth ruled in favor of granting Bonzi another first serve, inciting Medvedev’s ire and rallying New York's crowd to erupt in discontent. A six-minute and 24-second delay ensued while tension grew palpable, eventually resulting in Bonzi losing focus and failing to secure his victory.
In the early hours following the prolonged match, Bonzi eventually prevailed with a final score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4. Medvedev, who has only managed one Grand Slam win this year, expressed his frustration: “I just expressed my emotions, my unhappiness with the decision.” Following the incident, the US Tennis Association confirmed the photographer's credentials had been revoked for the remainder of the tournament.
The chaos marked another chapter in Medvedev’s storied history at Flushing Meadows, where he has often found himself in the spotlight, both positively and negatively. Known for his antics, the usually composed player turned into a conductor of chaos, ushering support from the audience as he vocally disagreed with the umpire. The moment drew parallels to Medvedev's earlier unsettling interactions with audiences, including provocatively celebrating during matches and conversing with the crowd.
Despite the spirited performance and crowd support, the mishap left Medvedev visibly shaken. Following the match, he sat silently, overwhelmed with emotion, before severely damaging his racquet against the court's bench. He revealed post-match that the thought of retirement crossed his mind during the game, signifying the weight of his current struggles. “Not today, but you never know where you want to do it,” he expressed pensively.
As Medvedev faces the prospect of slipping out of the top 20 rankings, his passion and intensity on court remain both a testament to his competitive spirit and a reflection of ongoing challenges he must contend with moving forward.
