Daniil Medvedev loses after chaos unveils at US Open match
- Daniil Medvedev's first-round match at the U.S. Open faced significant delays due to a photographer entering the court during match point.
- The chair umpire's decision to award Bonzi an additional serve disrupted the match, eliciting a strong reaction from Medvedev.
- Despite initial struggles, Medvedev extended the match to a fifth set, but ultimately lost, marking another early exit from a Grand Slam.
In the United States, during the first round of the U.S. Open on August 24, 2025, Daniil Medvedev faced an unexpected disruption in his match against French player Benjamin Bonzi. The incident began when a photographer entered the court at a critical moment—while Medvedev was facing match point. This intrusion caused a delay of over six minutes, during which Medvedev became visibly frustrated, especially after the chair umpire decided to allow Bonzi an additional first serve due to the interruption. Following this chaos, Medvedev expressed his outrage towards the umpire, suggesting the decision was unwarranted given the briefness of the photographer's interference. As the match progressed, the disruption seemed to shift the momentum. Medvedev was on the brink of elimination, yet he managed to rally and win the next two sets, extending the contest to a fifth decider. During this time, the atmosphere turned chaotic, with loud boos from the crowd, which directed their displeasure towards both players. Bonzi called for Medvedev's disqualification at one point, highlighting the tension in the match due to the ongoing disruptions. Both players struggled with the match's environment, as Medvedev's frustrations were echoed by Bonzi's own complaints about serving amid the interruptions. Despite the tumultuous proceedings, Medvedev displayed resilience by leveling the match after initially trailing. However, Bonzi ultimately secured the win, eliminating Medvedev from the tournament. The match's conclusion not only marked an early exit for the 2021 U.S. Open champion but also underscored the impact of external disruptions on player performance and match dynamics. Following the incident, the U.S. Tennis Association took action by escorting the photographer from the venue and revoking their credentials. The chaotic developments were reminiscent of previous instances where Medvedev's interactions with the crowd led to fines and controversies in prior tournaments. This event stands as a critical example of how external factors can influence not only the physical aspects of sports but also the psychological fortitude required by athletes during high-stakes matches.