The US Open witnessed extraordinary late-night drama as Daniil Medvedev’s first-round clash with Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi descended into chaos when a photographer inadvertently walked onto the court at match point.
The bizarre incident occurred at the end of the third set as Bonzi, seconds from a career-best victory, was serving at match point. After faulting on his first serve, a photographer left his position early in anticipation of Bonzi’s celebration, stumbling onto court.
Umpire Gregory Allensworth ruled the delay as “outside interference” and granted Bonzi a fresh first serve. Medvedev reacted furiously, storming to the chair to demand an explanation and repeatedly encouraging the crowd to boo the decision.
“Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” Medvedev shouted at the umpire, before asking the crowd: “What did Reilly Opelka say?” referencing a previous criticism of Allensworth by another player.
The boos in Louis Armstrong Stadium lasted so long that Medvedev eventually had to calm the crowd to allow Bonzi to resume. Bonzi promptly double-faulted, handing Medvedev the game. The Russian forced a tiebreak, won the third set, and then stormed through the fourth 6-0 to level the match.
The USTA confirmed that the photographer’s accreditation was revoked and he was escorted from the venue.
Despite the drama, Bonzi recovered to win a gruelling fifth set, securing one of the biggest wins of his career.
Medvedev’s frustrations boiled over again after the defeat, as he repeatedly smashed his racket on his bench at least 11 times in full view of the crowd, overshadowing Bonzi’s victory.
The chaotic contest revived memories of Medvedev’s infamous 2019 US Open antics, when he was fined after snatching a towel from a ballperson, throwing his racket towards an umpire and making obscene gestures at the crowd.
Sunday’s defeat leaves Medvedev, a former champion in New York, facing questions over his discipline after yet another on-court meltdown.
