The 2025 US Open got its first taste of controversy on Sunday night when Daniil Medvedev lit up Louis Armstrong Stadium with a furious tirade against chair umpire Greg Allensworth. The tirade sparked a prolonged delay and dragged the crowd into chaos.
What began as a routine call after an unexpected court interruption spiraled into a spectacle of jeers, sarcastic gestures, and a match that threatened to spin entirely out of control. In the aftermath, top players and personalities weighed in on the drama, each offering candid takes on social media.
How Did the Daniil Medvedev Incident Shake Up the Tennis World?
American No. 1 Fritz noted how the disruption might have altered the outcome, writing on X, “Photographer walking on court when he’s not supposed to could’ve just changed the entire match .”
Photographer walking on court when he’s not supposed to could’ve just changed the entire match
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) August 25, 2025
Bouchard, the former Wimbledon finalist, admitted she was glued to the late-night drama, confessing, “Can’t go to sleep because of this Medvedev match omgggg the drama.”
Can’t go to sleep because of this Medvedev match omgggg the drama
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) August 25, 2025
John McEnroe’s brother and ESPN analyst, Patrick, took a harder line. He criticized Medvedev’s antics with a blunt take, “And Medvedev needs to take the rest of the year off,” before questioning the crowd’s behavior, adding, “Who are these idiots booing Bonzi???”
Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, chimed in: “Feel for Bonzi wells on MP 7 min delay, now Meddy spinning a web.”
Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, added: “The way Medvedev executed a short compact abbreviated racquet acceleration on his bag was some of the best volley technique I have seen from the Raging Russian in a long time. But time heals all and Meddy will come back stronger and hopefully compete longer.”
What Sparked Medvedev’s Explosive Outburst Against the Chair Umpire?
The flashpoint came in the third set of Medvedev’s opening-round clash against Benjamin Bonzi. Already trailing by two sets and facing match point at 6-3, 7-5, 5-4 (Ad), Medvedev seemed on the brink of a quick exit. At that exact moment, Bonzi missed his first serve just as a photographer wandered onto the pit.
Chair umpire Allensworth quickly halted play, ordering the individual off the court and announcing that Bonzi would be allowed a fresh first serve because of the disruption. It was a routine application of the rules, but Medvedev exploded at the decision.
The Russian stormed toward the umpire’s chair, his voice rising with every step. “Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking? What’s wrong, huh?” he shouted, visibly enraged. He then accused Allensworth of being unfit for the role, sarcastically adding, “He wants to go home guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
Medvedev repeatedly invoked Reilly Opelka’s infamous criticism of the same umpire at the 2025 Dallas Open, yelling, “What did Reilly Opelka say? What did Reilly Opelka say?” into the camera while gesturing at the audience to raise their voices. Opelka had previously called Allensworth the “worst” umpire on tour and argued that he should be “penalized” for poor handling of a heckling incident earlier this year.
Medvedev’s rallying cry sent the crowd into a frenzy. Thousands of fans inside Ashe booed relentlessly, not allowing Bonzi to resume serving for several minutes. Medvedev, meanwhile, played to the audience with theatrical gestures, blowing kisses toward Allensworth and even forming a heart with his hands in mock appreciation of the noise.
The surreal delay lasted nearly seven minutes, with Bonzi forced to wait in silence while the atmosphere turned hostile.
INSANE scenes in the Medvedev & Bonzi match at US Open
A cameraman was trying to leave after Bonzi missed his 1st serve.
The umpire gave Bonzi a 1st serve.
Daniil: “Are you a man? Are you a man? why are you shaking? What’s wrong huh? Guys he wants to leave. He gets paid by… pic.twitter.com/nzlqgoWxre
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
When play eventually resumed, Medvedev managed to save match point, break Bonzi’s serve, and steal the third set in a tiebreak. Riding the momentum, he emerged victorious over his French opponent 6-0 in the fourth, setting up an improbable decider.
MORE: Shocking Scenes Unfold as Daniil Medvedev Hits Out at Chair Umpire on Match Point, Gets Crowd Involved at US Open
For a brief moment, it seemed like his theatrics might fuel a remarkable comeback. But Bonzi, who had also beaten Medvedev earlier this summer at Wimbledon, regrouped to claim a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 victory, prompting the Russian to furiously smash and break his racket.
Medvedev explotó de frustración y rompió su raqueta tras quedar eliminado en primera ronda.
Mirá nuestros partidos del #USOpen en Disney+ Plan Premium. pic.twitter.com/byemIB3ax2
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) August 25, 2025
Bonzi advanced to the second round for the third time in New York, where he will take on local player Marcos Giron. This will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour, with the winner meeting either Arthur Rinderknech or 18th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round.
