BY Issah Olegor
Daniil Medvedev’s US Open campaign ended in shambles as he was beaten by Benjamin Bonzi in a first-round thriller.
The Russian’s frustration boiled over when a photographer walked onto the court during Bonzi’s match point in the third set, sparking a chain reaction that changed the course of the match.
The Incident
As Bonzi prepared to serve for the match, the photographer entered the court, prompting umpire Greg Allensworth to shout at him to leave.
Medvedev, already on edge, became furious, gesturing to the crowd and inciting them to chant “second serve”.
The delay lasted six minutes and 24 seconds, during which Bonzi lost focus and eventually missed his match point.
Aftermath
The incident seemed to galvanize Bonzi, who eventually secured a 6-3 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 0-6 6-4 win after nearly two hours of play.
Medvedev, meanwhile, was left devastated, smashing his racquet and breaking down in tears.
The Russian’s reaction was a stark contrast to his usual composure, and he later admitted feeling like he wanted to “finish his career” during the match.
Photographer’s Credentials Revoked
The photographer involved in the incident had his credentials revoked for the 2025 US Open.
United States Tennis Association organizers took swift action, escorting the photographer off the court and confirming the decision to revoke his credentials.
Bonzi’s Reaction
Bonzi described the atmosphere during the delay as “wild” and “crazy”, saying it was difficult to stay focused.
Despite the challenges, he managed to regroup and secure the win, which marked a significant upset.
Medvedev’s History At the US Open
Medvedev has a history of dramatic moments at the US Open, including his 2019 final appearance and his 2021 title win.
However, his recent struggles have seen him win just one Grand Slam match this year, and he looks set to drop out of the world’s top 20.
