Daniil Medvedev’s US Open campaign ended in controversy as the 2021 champion lost to Benjamin Bonzi in a heated five-set clash. The Russian star, who faced boos from the crowd, has been fined $42,000 for his behavior.
Crowd Clash and Chair Umpire Comments
The match turned ugly when Medvedev furiously protested a decision during the third set. He delayed the game for over six minutes, engaging with the raucous New York crowd. Medvedev lashed out at chair umpire Greg Allensworth, saying: “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
The dispute began after Allensworth allowed Bonzi a second first serve on match point due to a court disruption. Despite the setback, Medvedev fought back to win the set before eventually falling in five.
Breakdown of the Fine
Tournament officials confirmed that $30,000 of the fine was for unsportsmanlike conduct. The remaining $12,500 was due to racket abuse after Medvedev smashed his racket repeatedly into his chair.
Medvedev acknowledged his punishment during the press conference: “I’m getting a big enough fine, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not gonna speak… [Reilly Opelka] got fined big time for this so I’m gonna get a big fine too.”
Season Struggles Continue
The loss to Bonzi highlights Medvedev’s struggles in 2025. He managed just one win across all four Grand Slams this year, suffering first-round exits in the last three. His record plummeted from 18-4 in 2024 to a poor 1-4 in 2025, marking his first time out of the top 10 in six years.
Bonzi Advances to Round 3
Bonzi overcame Medvedev in the fifth set after being bageled in the fourth. He followed it with another comeback victory against Marcos Giron in round two, where he rallied from two sets down. Bonzi now faces compatriot Arthur Rinderknech in the third round.
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