Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the US Open in dramatic fashion after a bizarre interruption by a photographer sparked a furious meltdown during his first-round defeat to Benjamin Bonzi.
The incident unfolded at 5-4 in the third set when Bonzi held match point. As the Frenchman prepared for his second serve, a cameraman strolled onto the court at Louis Armstrong Stadium, prompting chair umpire Greg Allensworth to order the point replayed with a fresh first serve. The decision infuriated Medvedev and the New York crowd, leading to a chaotic six-minute delay.
The Russian stormed towards the umpire, demanding: “Are you a man?” and “Why are you shaking?” before accusing him of wanting to “go home early.” Medvedev even referenced Reilly Opelka’s criticism of Allensworth as the “worst ref in the ATP.” The crowd responded with deafening boos, which Medvedev actively encouraged as Bonzi waited to resume.
Though visibly rattled, Bonzi failed to serve out the match, allowing Medvedev to force a tie-break, which he won. The 2021 US Open champion carried the momentum to sweep the fourth set, only for Bonzi to rally in the decider and clinch one of the biggest wins of his career.
Security later escorted the photographer out of the venue, with the United States Tennis Association confirming his credential had been revoked. “His credential has been revoked for the 2025 US Open,” organisers said.
Bonzi, ranked world No. 51, reflected on the chaotic atmosphere: “The energy was wild. Thanks for all those who were booing – thanks for the energy in the fifth set. It was a crazy scenario. I have never experienced anything like that. It was so difficult to play, so noisy. But I tried to stay calm – it was not easy.”
A devastated Medvedev slumped in his chair after the loss, smashing his racket repeatedly against a metal bench in frustration. It marked his third consecutive first-round exit at a Grand Slam.
Asked afterwards if this could mark the end of his career, the 29-year-old responded: “Not today, but when I’m finishing my career, you never know where you want to do it. Today I was, like, ‘this could be a nice place to do it.’”
Bonzi now advances to face American Marcos Giron in the second round. Defending champion Jannik Sinner begins his campaign against Vit Kopriva, while Carlos Alcaraz takes on Opelka.
