Daniil Medvedev's hopes of reclaiming his title at the US Open were dashed in dramatic fashion as a chaotic moment involving a photographer interrupted his match against Benjamin Bonzi. The incident occurred when a photographer ventured onto the court during a pivotal moment in the third set, leading to considerable unrest among spectators and a significant fallout for Medvedev.
As Medvedev sat at match point with Bonzi serving at 5-4, the photographer's sudden presence disrupted the game. Match umpire Greg Allensworth allowed Bonzi a second serve, sparking a fierce reaction from the Russian. With the crowd's engagement reaching a fever pitch, Medvedev expressed his frustration, garnering chants of "second serve" from the New York spectators.
Despite the uproar, Bonzi eventually overcame the disruption to win 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4, marking another disappointing early exit for Medvedev, who has struggled throughout the year with only one Grand Slam victory to his name.
In a post-match interview, Medvedev reflected on the tumultuous evening, acknowledging how the photographer's actions fueled both the crowd's and his own emotions. “It was fun to witness,” he said, despite the loss, showcasing his ability to entertain even in defeat. Unfortunately, the disruption instigated by the photographer led to this individual being escorted from the stadium, with his credentials revoked by the United States Tennis Association.
Amid the tension, Bonzi expressed the unique challenge of competing when the atmosphere became so charged, stating, "I have never experienced anything like that." This incident adds to Medvedev's growing reputation as a captivating figure at Flushing Meadows, notorious for his controversial behavior that has spurred reactions from both crowds and players alike.
Following the match, Medvedev was visibly upset, sitting on the court and smashing his racquet in frustration. With his world ranking in jeopardy of falling out of the top 20, he shared poignant thoughts about his future in tennis, pondering potential retirement. "When I'm finishing my career, you never know where you want to do it," he stated, hinting at his emotional struggle and the weighty decision looming ahead as he contemplates his next steps in the sport.
