US Open Chaos: Medvedev's US Open Campaign Ends in Disarray After Bizarre Incident
Daniil Medvedev's US Open journey ended in shock as Benjamin Bonzi won a dramatic match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4, marked by a bizarre photographer incident.
“Every time there's a sound from the stands between serves, there is never a second serve...”
Daniil Medvedev's US Open campaign ended in dramatic fashion when a photographer walked onto the court during match point against Benjamin Bonzi, sparking a heated exchange between Medvedev and chair umpire Greg Allensworth. The Russian tennis star was furious with the decision to award Bonzi another first serve due to the interruption, which he believed unfairly impacted the game's momentum.
As Bonzi prepared to serve at 5-4 in the third set, leading 6-3, 7-5, a photographer inadvertently entered the playing area. Allensworth called for a timeout and awarded Bonzi a new first serve, citing “delay caused by outside interference.” Medvedev erupted, questioning the umpire's judgment and seemingly trying to rally the crowd to his side. The crowd responded by booing loudly for over six minutes, further delaying the match.
Despite the controversy, Bonzi held his nerve and eventually won the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4. Medvedev, meanwhile, smashed his racket in frustration after the defeat. The photographer involved in the incident was escorted off the court by US Open security and had their credentials revoked. Medvedev later clarified that his frustration wasn't directed at the photographer but at the umpire's decision, stating, ”Every time there's a sound from the stands between serves, there is never a second serve.”
INSANE scenes in the Medvedev & Bonzi match at US Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
A cameraman was trying to leave after Bonzi missed his 1st serve.
The umpire gave Bonzi a 1st serve.
Daniil: “Are you a man? Are you a man? why are you shaking? What’s wrong huh? Guys he wants to leave. He gets paid by… pic.twitter.com/nzlqgoWxre
Bonzi showed great composure during the chaotic moments, later admitting that the experience was intense but helped him stay focused on the match. “I never experienced something like that... It was a very wild atmosphere, but I tried to stay calm and stay in the match,” he said. Bonzi's win advances him to the second round, where he'll face American Marcos Giron.
Daniil Medvedev's frustration boiled over as he shouted at chair umpire Greg Allensworth, “What did Reilly Opelka say?” referencing the American player's past criticism of Allensworth. This outburst stemmed from Allensworth's decision to award Benjamin Bonzi a fresh first serve after a photographer walked onto the court during their match. Medvedev was likely recalling Reilly Opelka's call for Allensworth's suspension following a heated exchange at the Dallas Open, where Opelka received a code violation for confronting a spectator accused of disrupting his serve.
“I wasn't upset with the photographer,” Medvedev told a press conference. ”I was upset with the decision.
“Every time there's a sound from the stands between serves, there's never a second serve. But the umpire gave him a first serve. That's what made me angry.”
The match was halted for about six minutes as jeers, whistles and boos rang out around Louis Armstrong Stadium, with fans refusing to stay quiet so Bonzi could serve.
Daniil Medvedev looking totally distraught after his loss to Bonzi at the U.S. open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
He’s smashing his racquet and just sitting on the court.
Brutal loss to swallow.
pic.twitter.com/CYvceKNR2M
The USTA said the photographer was escorted from the court by US Open security and that his credentials had been revoked.
The chaos almost proved Medvedev's salvation.
After fending off the match point he broke to level the set at 5-5 before edging the tiebreak to force a fourth set.
Daniil Medvedev transformed into a dominant force in the fourth set, dishing out a 6-0 bagel to level the match. This impressive performance seemed to rattle Benjamin Bonzi, who took a medical timeout for what appeared to be a knee issue. The momentum shift was stark, with Medvedev's confidence soaring as he dictated the pace of the game.
Despite Medvedev's resurgence, the crowd's hostility towards Bonzi persisted, with boos and jeers continuing for the remainder of the match. Some fans even targeted Bonzi during his service motion, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. However, Bonzi showed great composure and determination, ultimately sealing the win in the fifth set with a crucial break and a decisive backhand.
The final set was a real nail-biter, with Benjamin Bonzi and Daniil Medvedev exchanging multiple breaks of serve as the match hung in the balance. Despite Medvedev's strong comeback in the fourth set, winning 6-0, Bonzi showed great resilience and determination. In the end, it was Bonzi's precise backhand that sealed the win, leaving Medvedev frustrated and smashing his racket in disappointment.
Benjamin Bonzi defeats Daniil Medvedev in five sets and is into Round 2 👀 pic.twitter.com/rGyRI6F8yV
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2025
After the match, Bonzi reflected on the wild atmosphere, saying, “It was crazy. I may have got some new fans, but also some new non-fans.” He sarcastically thanked the crowd members who booed him, adding, “Thanks for all those who were booing that gave me energy in the fifth.” Bonzi's ability to stay calm under pressure was key to his victory.
This win marks Bonzi's third consecutive time beating Medvedev in the first round of a Grand Slam. Despite Medvedev's higher ranking, Bonzi's aggressive baseline game and improved serve proved too much for the Russian to handle. Bonzi's victory sets him up for a second-round match against Marcos Giron.
“The energy was crazy. Thanks to all who were booing. Thanks for the energy.
“I've never experienced something like that. We waited maybe five minutes before the match point and it was crazy. There was so much noise.”
Daniil Medvedev's US Open campaign ended abruptly as he became the first former champion to exit the tournament, losing to Benjamin Bonzi in the first round. The match was marked by controversy when a photographer walked onto the court, sparking a heated argument between Medvedev and the chair umpire. Medvedev's frustration boiled over, and he eventually lost the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4. This early exit adds to Medvedev's tumultuous year in Grand Slam tournaments, where he's struggled to find consistency.
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