Tennis Star Daniil Medvedev Smashes Racket in Shocking US Open Meltdown
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev brought Bravo-level drama to the 2025 US Open on Sunday, August 24.
Play was suspended during Medvedev’s match against French opponent Benjamin Bonzi at the New York City tournament on Sunday after a photographer walked onto the court at match point in the third set. Bonzi, 29, was preparing his second serve when the disruption occurred, leading the chair umpire to rule that Bonzi could have another first serve.
The decision sparked an outburst from Medvedev, 29, who stormed toward the umpire’s chair. “Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” the athlete shouted.
Medvedev continued, “He wants to go home, guys, he doesn’t like it here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
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The match was paused for more than six minutes as the crowd booed. The cameraman was later escorted out of Louis Armstrong Stadium, with United States Tennis Association (USTA) organizers confirming his credentials were revoked.
When the chaos subsided, Bonzi resumed his serve and knocked out Medvedev with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4 win. Following his defeat, Medvedev was seen sitting in his chair and smashing his racket repeatedly before leaving.
“It was crazy. I may have got some new fans, but also some new non-fans,” Bonzi said after the match. “The energy was crazy. Thanks to all who were booing. Thanks for the energy.”
Bonzi, who is ranked No. 51 in the world, said he’d “never experienced something like that,” noting, “There was so much noise.”
As for Medvedev, he became the first former champion to leave this year’s tournament. He attempted to break down the reason behind his outburst in a postgame press conference.
“I wasn’t upset with the photographer,” Medvedev explained. “I was upset with the decision. Every time there’s a sound from the stands between serves, there’s never a second serve. But the umpire gave him a first serve. That’s what made me angry.”
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Medvedev said it was “fun to witness” the fans getting so invested. “I thought, ‘I’m losing the match.’ I didn’t break him once. … I got emotional. Honestly, while living it, I was like, ‘You know what, it could be fun maybe to finish my career with one match at the US Open,'” he added. “I love New York. They did the work. I didn’t do anything. The crowd pushed me to come back into the match.”
Bonzi, however, didn’t see the situation the same way. “Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire. He went with the crowd crazy. He went with them. Honestly, I never saw that,” he told reporters. “The rule is the rule. The guy went on the court between two serves. It’s not my call to say first serve. I felt I didn’t do anything bad in the match to receive this treatment, and I didn’t want to serve in those conditions.”
The 2025 US Open began Sunday and concludes September 7.
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