Medvedev's US Open Outburst: A Costly Distraction Amidst Controversy

Tue Oct 21 2025 20:53:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Daniil Medvedev's early exit from the US Open unfolds in chaos as a court photographer disrupts play, igniting tense confrontations and emotional fallout.

Daniil Medvedev suffered a shocking first-round US Open defeat against Benjamin Bonzi, following a chaotic incident involving a photographer on the court that led to a dramatic shift in the match's dynamics and stirred significant emotional turmoil for the former champion.

A distraught Daniil Medvedev faced an early exit at the US Open after an astonishing meltdown triggered by a photographer inadvertently stepping onto the court during his first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi. The former world number one has struggled this season, with just one Grand Slam victory under his belt, but the events at Flushing Meadows on August 24, 2025, proved to be exceptionally extraordinary.

The dramatic turn of events unfolded when Medvedev found himself at match point during the third set at 5-4. As Bonzi prepared to serve, a cameraman unwittingly entered the playing surface, prompting chaos both on and off the court. Umpire Greg Allensworth allowed Bonzi another first serve due to the interference, leading to a wild reaction from Medvedev, who rallied the New York crowd against the official’s decision. This resulted in a tense six-minute delay, where the crowd's support intensified, chanting "second serve" as Medvedev played the role of the instigator.

After an arduous delay, Bonzi found it challenging to refocus, and although he eventually won the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4 at nearly 1 am, the spotlight remained on Medvedev’s animated confrontation and emotional fallout. Following the match, he expressed his frustrations about the decision, claiming it was "fun to witness," while acknowledging his growing concerns about his game, citing this loss as his third consecutive first-round exit from a Grand Slam tournament.

The photographer in question was swiftly removed from the stadium, having his credentials revoked by the United States Tennis Association, emphasizing the serious nature of the incident. Medvedev, known for his past antics and interactions with fans, this time faced a more sobering reality, as he sat on the court visibly upset, smashing his racquet against the bench and shedding tears post-match.

The aftermath left the tennis community pondering Medvedev's future in the sport, with the six-time Grand Slam finalist reflecting on the abrupt thought of retirement, saying, “Not today, but when I'm finishing my career, you never know where you want to do it." As he faces a potential drop from the world’s top 20, the tennis world waits to see what lies ahead for the talented yet troubled star.