In a shocking five-set thriller, the former champion fell to the French qualifier in a match that was marred by on-court chaos. The match turned dramatic after a controversial umpiring decision sparked a furious tirade from the Russian star, who ultimately lost his composure and the match.
August 25, 2025: The first round of the US Open on Sunday night descended into chaos after a stunning on-court controversy involving Russian 13th seed Daniil Medvedev and France’s Benjamin Bonzi. In a dramatic five-set thriller, Bonzi held his nerve to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory, sending the former champion crashing out of the tournament.
The match’s turning point came in the third set, with Bonzi leading two sets to none and holding match point. After Bonzi’s first serve faulted, a photographer mistakenly walked onto the court. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth immediately granted Bonzi a new first serve, a decision that sent Medvedev into a furious tirade.
“Are you a man? Are you a man?” Medvedev screamed at the umpire. He then turned to a courtside microphone and shouted, “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here; he gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” Medvedev then actively incited the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd, which delayed play for over six minutes with jeers and boos.
The chaotic scene rattled Bonzi, who double-faulted when play resumed. Medvedev, capitalizing on the shift in momentum, won the third set in a tie-break and then dominated the fourth set, “bageling” Bonzi 6-0 to force a deciding set.
However, Bonzi showed incredible determination in the fifth. Despite a visible leg injury, he twice recovered from a break of serve and finally broke Medvedev to secure the biggest win of his career. Following the loss, Medvedev was seen smashing his racket in frustration.
The incident drew widespread commentary, with American player Taylor Fritz tweeting, “Photographer walking on court when he’s not supposed to could’ve just changed the entire match.” The USTA later confirmed that the photographer was escorted from the venue and had his credentials revoked for the remainder of the tournament.