The Louis Armstrong Stadium erupted in chaos as Daniil Medvedev faced match point for the second time in five minutes. Down two sets to Benjamin Bonzi, the former world No. 1 was one point from his most shocking Grand Slam exit ever.
Then a photographer walked onto the court at the worst possible moment. What happened next turned a routine first-round match into one of the most dramatic scenes in recent US Open history.
What Explanation Did Daniil Medvedev Give After His First Round US Open Match?
During his post-match press conference, Medvedev was asked what made him upset during the dramatic third-set incident. The Russian star clarified his frustration wasn’t directed where many people thought:
“I was not upset with the photographer… it was nothing special. Every time there’s a sound from the stands between serves, there is never a second serve. But, well, that helped me get back into the match. It was a fun moment to live. I wasn’t upset with the photographer. I was upset with the decision.”
Medvedev says he wasn’t upset with the photographer in the Bonzi match, he was upset with the umpire’s decision, ‘Every time there’s a sound from the stands between serves, there is never a 2nd serve’
“Can you just explain the origins of what made you upset?
Daniil: “I was not… pic.twitter.com/gXw9K8HfyK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
The incident occurred when Bonzi was serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set. After missing his first serve, a photographer walked onto the court before Bonzi could attempt his second serve. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi another first serve due to the interruption, which infuriated Medvedev.
The Russian approached the umpire and shouted into the microphones: “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
MORE: Who Is Greg Allensworth? The Chair Umpire Involved in Fierce Daniil Medvedev, Benjamin Bonzi US Open Controversy
When pressed further about his role in prolonging the delay, Medvedev defended his actions. A reporter noted, “You delayed the match for like 6 minutes,” to which Medvedev responded, “Not me, the crowd.”
When pointed out that he was “giving them heart emojis and pumping them up,” Medvedev said: “Heart emojis? I love them. Love in New York. They did the work, and I didn’t do anything. And they pushed me to come back into the match… it was fun for me.”
Medvedev also revealed his mindset during the outburst, explaining: “He says first serve, I like… what I say and what I do… in my head.. I wanna do worse. I cannot. Because there are rules and I’m on a tennis court. I just expressed my emotions and unhappiness, and then the crowd did what they did without me asking them too much.”
Daniil Medvedev looking totally distraught after his loss to Bonzi at the U.S. open.
He’s smashing his racquet and just sitting on the court.
Brutal loss to swallow.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
After the six-minute delay, Bonzi double-faulted when play resumed, allowing Medvedev to win the game and eventually take the third set in a tiebreak. He then won the fourth set 6-0 before losing the fifth set 6-4. Following the defeat, Medvedev smashed his racket repeatedly in frustration.
How Bad Has Medvedev’s 2025 Grand Slam Streak Become?
This US Open first-round exit marked Medvedev’s third consecutive Grand Slam first-round loss in 2025, capping off his worst Grand Slam performance in years. His only Grand Slam win this year came against Kasidit Samrej at the Australian Open, where he needed five sets to advance before losing to 19-year-old Learner Tien in the second round.
The pattern became eerily consistent throughout the season. Medvedev then suffered first-round defeats to Cameron Norrie at Roland Garros and Bonzi at Wimbledon.
2025 Australian Open – Medvedev comes back from two sets to love down, loses in five
2025 Roland-Garros – Medvedev comes back from two sets to love down, loses in five
2025 US Open – Medvedev comes back from two sets to love down, loses in five
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 25, 2025
The former world No. 1 has struggled with consistency throughout 2025, dropping out of the top 10 for extended periods and managing just a 1-4 record across the four Grand Slam tournaments. Despite reaching the Halle final in June, Medvedev has been unable to capture a title since May 2023.
His ranking has fallen to No. 13, and the US Open loss confirmed his exit from the top 20 by the end of the tournament. For a player who reached five consecutive US Open semifinals from 2019 to 2023, including winning the title in 2021, this dramatic decline represents one of tennis’s most surprising collapses.
