Medvedev's Outburst: Photographer and Referee Incident Dramatizes Tennis Match
In the second-largest Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open, a thrilling encounter between 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev and French player Benjamin Bonzi unfolded. The match, which lasted an intense 3 hours and 45 minutes, was marked by several dramatic moments.
The crowd in the stadium booed and made noise, causing a halt in the match for several minutes. The source of the disturbance was unclear, but it disrupted the flow of the game.
One such disruption came when a photographer entered the court, causing a redo of Bonzi's serve. Medvedev, who was trailing in the match, seemed unfazed and managed to capitalise on the opportunity, breaking Bonzi's serve and securing the third set in a tiebreak.
Medvedev's performance was not without its challenges. During the fourth set, he repeatedly shook his right arm, as if to relieve a cramp. Despite this, he continued to push hard, with the fifth set being hotly contested.
The crowd, however, seemed to favour Medvedev, cheering him on. He responded by forming a heart towards them, a gesture that seemed to invigorate him.
However, the match took a turn when Medvedev smashed his racket and threw several into the crowd. This outburst led to a delay in the match, with Medvedev expecting to receive a fine for his actions.
Bonzi, who had been holding his own, failed to convert the match point, giving Medvedev a chance to fight back. However, it was not meant to be for Medvedev, who lost the match against Bonzi with a score of 3-6, 5:7, 7:6 (7:5), 6:0, 4:6.
Medvedev was visibly upset, complaining about the referee, alleging that the referee was paid per game, not per hour. He also clarified that his anger was not directed at the photographer, but at the decision that had been made.
Bonzi, on the other hand, described the scenario as "crazy". He blamed the delay on Medvedev's outburst, suggesting it affected his control of the match.
Despite the loss, Medvedev stated that his anger helped him refocus during the match. The match ended late, with Medvedev losing just after 1 a.m. local time.
Greg Allensworth, a tennis match umpire in past tournaments, presided over the tense encounter. The loss marks a setback for Medvedev, who will look to regroup and reclaim his form in future tournaments.
