The US Open experienced unprecedented chaos on Sunday when a photographer unexpectedly entered the court during a critical moment in the match between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi. This interruption occurred as Medvedev faced match point, leading to an explosive reaction from the former champion. Ultimately, Medvedev, who had previously won the tournament in 2021, was eliminated in a thrilling five-set match, concluding with a score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4.
As Bonzi prepared to serve for the match at 6-3, 7-5, and 5-4, the photographer's intrusion halted the game. The chair umpire, Greg Allensworth, decided to reset Bonzi’s serve to his first serve due to the disruption, a decision that incited a furious outburst from Medvedev. “Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” Medvedev shouted as he confronted the umpire, showcasing the intense emotions boiling over during this high-stakes moment.
During the six-minute delay, the atmosphere in Louis Armstrong Stadium turned electric, with fans expressing their discontent through jeers and boos, refusing to allow Bonzi to serve in peace. Following the incident, the US Tennis Association confirmed that the photographer was escorted off the court and had his credentials revoked, highlighting the seriousness of the disruption.
The chaos seemed to rejuvenate Medvedev. After saving the match point, he broke Bonzi's serve to level the set at 5-5 and eventually won the tie-break, forcing the match into a fourth set. Displaying newfound energy, Medvedev dominated the fourth set, delivering a 'bagel' to Bonzi, who took a medical timeout, reportedly due to a knee issue. The crowd's disdain towards Bonzi persisted, with some fans targeting him during his service motions.
The final set proved to be a nail-biter, with Bonzi rallying under the encouragement of his supporters, who shouted “Courage!” and “Allez!” as he fought to secure his victory. Ultimately, Bonzi clinched the win with a stunning backhand, while Medvedev, frustrated, smashed his racket upon returning to his seat.
In a post-match press conference, Medvedev expressed his frustration not at the photographer, but at the umpire's 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,” he stated. Despite the tension, Medvedev later described the chaotic scene as “fun to witness,” embracing the unique atmosphere at the US Open.
Bonzi also weighed in on Medvedev's conduct, suggesting that the former champion escalated the situation. “Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire,” Bonzi remarked. He maintained that he did not deserve the treatment he received during the match, asserting, “It’s not my call to say first serve.” He emphasized that the disruption was outside of his control, highlighting the need for respect and adherence to the rules in competitive play.
This dramatic encounter at the US Open will likely be remembered for its unexpected twists and turns, showcasing not only the high stakes of professional tennis but also the intense emotions that come with it.
