Daniil Medvedev first-round exit at the 2025 US Open against Benjamin Bonzi on August 24, 2025, was marked by a chaotic incident involving a photographer’s intrusion and Medvedev’s subsequent meltdown, culminating in him smashing his racket. Below is a detailed account of the event, its impact on the match, and the broader context, addressing the prompt and incorporating relevant details from provided sources.
The Incident and Match Overview
- Match Details: Medvedev, the No. 13 seed and 2021 US Open champion, lost to unseeded Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in a five-set thriller, 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4, on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The match lasted three hours and 45 minutes, ending early on August 25, 2025.
- Photographer Gaffe: In the third set, with Bonzi serving for the match at 6-3, 7-5, 5-4, and on match point, a photographer mistakenly entered the court after Bonzi’s first serve faulted. The photographer, likely anticipating Bonzi’s victory, aimed to capture the celebration but disrupted play. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth halted the match and awarded Bonzi a new first serve due to the interference, a standard but controversial call in this high-stakes moment.
- Medvedev’s Meltdown: Furious at the decision, Medvedev confronted Allensworth, shouting, “Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” and “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like it here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” He also referenced Reilly Opelka’s earlier criticism of Allensworth, yelling, “What did Reilly Opelka say?” Medvedev incited the crowd, waving his arms to amplify boos, causing a six-minute delay.
Impact on the Match
- Momentum Shift: The disruption rattled Bonzi, who double-faulted when play resumed, allowing Medvedev to save match point, break serve, and win the third set in a tiebreak (6-7(5)). Medvedev then dominated the fourth set 6-0, capitalizing on Bonzi’s medical timeout for a knee issue.
- Crowd Dynamics: The New York crowd’s jeers targeted both the umpire and Bonzi, creating a “wild” atmosphere. Medvedev later embraced the chaos, blowing kisses and calling it “fun to witness,” though he eventually urged fans to quiet down so Bonzi could serve. Bonzi described the noise as unprecedented, making it “so difficult to play.”
- Final Outcome: Despite Medvedev’s comeback, Bonzi regained composure in the fifth set, winning 6-4 with a decisive backhand. Medvedev, visibly distraught, smashed his racket at least 11 times against his bench, stealing some of Bonzi’s spotlight.
Aftermath and Reactions
- Photographer Consequences: The USTA confirmed the photographer was escorted off the court by security, and his credentials were revoked for the 2025 US Open.
- Medvedev’s Defense: In his press conference, Medvedev clarified he wasn’t upset with the photographer but with Allensworth’s decision, arguing the four-second delay didn’t warrant a first serve. He avoided elaborating on his Opelka comment, citing potential fines, and expressed mixed feelings about the crowd’s role in fueling his comeback.
- Bonzi’s Perspective: Bonzi called it his “best victory ever,” despite the chaotic delay and crowd hostility. He criticized Medvedev’s behavior as crossing a line, noting, “Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire.” Bonzi also threatened to walk off and demanded Medvedev’s disqualification during the delay.
- Broader Context: The incident echoed Medvedev’s 2019 US Open antics, where he was fined $9,000 for similar confrontations. His 2025 Grand Slam season was dismal, with first-round exits at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and now the US Open, marking his worst major performance (1-4 record).
Lessons and Implications
- Umpire Discretion: The decision to award a first serve, while rule-compliant, sparked debate about consistency in handling disruptions. Taylor Fritz supported the call but noted the pause hurt Bonzi’s momentum.
- Crowd Influence: Medvedev’s ability to rally the crowd highlights his knack for thriving in chaotic environments, though it nearly cost Bonzi the match. This mirrors his 2019 run, where fan boos fueled his final appearance.
- Medvedev’s Struggles: The loss underscores Medvedev’s 2025 slump, with his ranking dropping to No. 13 and an expected exit from the top 20. His emotional reaction, including the racket-smashing, reflects frustration from a challenging season.
Conclusion
Daniil Medvedev’s 2025 US Open loss to Benjamin Bonzi was defined by a photographer’s ill-timed entry, triggering a six-minute delay, a heated umpire confrontation, and a crowd-fueled meltdown. While Medvedev briefly turned the match around, his racket-smashing exit highlighted his struggles. Bonzi’s resilience secured a career-defining win, but the incident exposed the volatility of high-stakes tennis. For more on Medvedev’s season or similar incidents, let me know!