Disrupting the US Open, Medvedev receives a severe penalty

Daniil Medvedev recently delivered a disappointing performance at the final Grand Slam of the year: the 2025 US Open.

Daniil Medvedev — the former world No. 1 tennis player — suffered a memorable defeat against Benjamin Bonzi in the opening round of the 2025 US Open, the last Grand Slam event of the year. This loss not only ended in professional disappointment but also brought a heavy penalty upon the Russian tennis star.

During the third set, as Bonzi was serving, a photographer unexpectedly stepped onto the court, interrupting the match. The referee decided to allow the French player to replay the first serve. This decision enraged Medvedev, who repeatedly voiced his criticism.

"He just wants to go home, folks. He doesn’t like being here. He gets paid per match, not by the hour.", Meddy mentally challenged Bonzi amid the wild cheers from the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The match was then paused for over five minutes following the crowd agitation caused by the 2021 US Open champion. Although Medvedev broke back and won both the third and fourth sets consecutively, he ultimately lost in the final set. His frustration peaked when he smashed his racket on the court. Meanwhile, the photographer had his accreditation revoked by the organizers.

This unsportsmanlike conduct resulted in Medvedev being fined a total of $42,500 by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which accounts for nearly 40% of the $110,000 prize money he earned at the tournament. Of this, $30,000 was for improper behavior and $12,500 for racket smashing.

"I have already received a hefty fine, so if I keep speaking out, I will face bigger trouble. Therefore, I won’t say anything further.", Medvedev briefly commented after the incident.

This incident has raised concerns about Medvedev’s emotional control. Legend Boris Becker suggested that the Russian player needs to see a sports psychologist to manage his emotions during competition.

Meanwhile, Andrey Rublev — compatriot, close friend, and godfather to Medvedev’s daughter — affirmed his readiness to help if Meddy truly desires: "If he wants to change and needs support, he has me, friends, and family. But the decision is ultimately his.".

Medvedev has been struggling with poor form over the past two years, enduring a long title drought. Notably, this year, the Russian player has only recorded one Grand Slam victory: a five-set win against Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej in the first round of the Australian Open!

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