Daniil Medvedev is anticipating a significant fine following a dramatic meltdown at match point that incited the US Open crowd and delayed his five-set defeat to Benjamin Bonzi. The Russian, a former champion, lost his composure after a cameraman walked onto the court between Bonzi's first and second serve, prompting the umpire to order a retake of the first serve.
Medvedev protested vehemently to umpire Greg Allensworth, shouting, “Are you a man? Why are you shaking? He wants to go home guys, he doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” The 29-year-old then encouraged the booing crowd, causing a delay of over six minutes before Bonzi could serve.
Despite winning the point, the set, and the next set to level the match, Medvedev ultimately fell 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4. He blamed the crowd for his actions, saying, “What I say and what I do, in my head, I want to do worse, and I cannot because there are rules. So I just expressed my emotions, my unhappiness with the decision, and then the crowd did what they did.”
Medvedev also referenced American player Reilly Opelka, who had previously called Allensworth the worst umpire on tour. “I’m getting a big fine enough, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble,” Medvedev said. Bonzi, ranked 51st, criticised Medvedev's behaviour, stating, “Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire. He went crazy with the crowd. Honestly, I never saw that.”
Bonzi described the victory as his best ever, adding, “It’s kind of crazy, this match. For me, it’s my best victory ever. It’s very special to do it here.” Medvedev, who smashed his racket after the defeat, has now lost in the first round of a Grand Slam for the third consecutive time.
