Photographer’s Court Intrusion Causes Spectacular Meltdown by Daniil Medvedev at US Open, Allowing Benjamin Bonzi to Advance
In an unprecedented turn of events during the US Open on Sunday, chaos ensued when a photographer invaded the court as Daniil Medvedev faced match point, halting the first-round encounter and triggering a dramatic outburst from the Russian.
The two-time Grand Slam champion Medvedev ultimately succumbed 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 to Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, who momentarily considered abandoning the match and advocated for Medvedev’s disqualification.
As Bonzi prepared to serve while leading 6-3 7-5 5-4, a photographer stepped onto the court surface, causing considerable disruption. This incident prompted chair umpire Greg Allensworth to direct Bonzi to resume his first serve, sparking a remarkable outburst from Medvedev.
“Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” an enraged Medvedev bellowed as he stormed towards the chair.
“He wants to go home, guys, he doesn’t like it here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
Medvedev continued to vocalize his frustration, frequently asking, “What did Reilly Opelka say?” to the official, referring to Opelka’s demand for Allensworth’s suspension after receiving a code violation at the Dallas Open for confronting a spectator.
The disruption led to a brief pause of around six minutes as jeers, whistles, and boos echoed around Louis Armstrong Stadium, with spectators refusing to quiet down to allow Bonzi to serve.
The USTA confirmed that the photographer was escorted off the court by US Open security and had his credentials revoked.
Despite the interruption, Medvedev came close to securing a comeback. After saving the match point, he broke to level the set at 5-5 before triumphing in the ensuing tiebreak to force a fourth set.
The fourth set saw a significant transformation in Medvedev’s performance as he delivered a bagel to level the match, with his shaken opponent taking a medical timeout for what appeared to be a knee issue.
The crowd continued to boo throughout the remainder of the match, with some spectators directing their disapproval towards Bonzi during his service motion.
The final set was more competitive, with both players exchanging multiple breaks of serve as the match approached a thrilling conclusion.
Propelled by cries of “Courage!” and “Allez!” from his supporters, Bonzi clinched the victory with an impressive backhand, prompting Medvedev to return to his seat and destroy his racket.
“It was chaotic. I might have gained some new fans, but also some new detractors,” world number 51 Bonzi commented post-match, having now defeated Medvedev in all three of their Grand Slam meetings, each time in the opening round.
“The energy was incredible. Thanks to all who were booing. Thanks for the energy.”
“I’ve never experienced anything like that. We waited maybe five minutes before the match point and it was chaotic. There was so much noise.”
Medvedev becomes the first former champion to exit this year’s tournament, concluding his stay at Flushing Meadows following a dismal run at the majors where he advanced only as far as the second round on one occasion.