Daniil Medvedev Melts Down at US Open After Photographer Disrupts Match Point

A six-minute delay, a controversial call, and a smashed racket — Medvedev’s first-round exit at the US Open was pure chaos, and fans are still buzzing.

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, was eliminated in the first round of this year’s tournament after a dramatic and chaotic match against Benjamin Bonzi — one that included a six-minute delay, a furious outburst, and a destroyed racket.

The incident occurred late Sunday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York, when Bonzi was serving for match point in the third set. After missing his first serve, a photographer walked onto the court, prompting chair umpire Greg Allensworth to award Bonzi a second first serve — a decision that enraged Medvedev.

“Are you a man?” Medvedev shouted at Allensworth. “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t want to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”

Medvedev then turned to the crowd, encouraging them to boo the umpire and referencing Reilly Opelka, who previously called Allensworth “the worst ump on tour.” The match was halted for over six minutes as jeers echoed through the stadium.

Despite the disruption, Medvedev rallied to win the third-set tiebreak and dominated the fourth set 6–0. But Bonzi held his nerve in the fifth, ultimately sealing the win with a backhand winner at 1 a.m., sending Medvedev into a visible spiral.

After the final point, Medvedev sat courtside and smashed his racket repeatedly until it was completely destroyed. His wife, Daria Medvedeva, was seen leaving the arena during the meltdown, while Bonzi attempted to accept his victory amid the chaos.

“I tried to stay calm, to stay in the match, but it was not easy,” Bonzi said. “It’s kind of crazy, this match. For me, it’s like my best victory ever.”

Bonzi also addressed the controversial call:

“The rule is the rule. The guy went on the court between two serves. Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire.”

Medvedev later clarified his frustration, telling ESPN:

“I was not upset with the photographer. I was upset with the decision. The delay was probably four seconds and a half. I’m not sure it’s enough for a [first] serve.”

The photographer was escorted out by US Open security, and his credentials were revoked. Medvedev’s loss marks the first time a former champion has exited in the opening round this year.