NEW YORK — Daniil Medvedev faced a hefty fine of $42,500 from the US Open on Wednesday, which amounts to over one-third of his $110,000 prize money for the tournament, following an explosive outburst during his first-round defeat after a photographer inadvertently stepped onto the court.
Tournament referee Jake Garner penalized Medvedev with $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse. Post-match, Medvedev angrily smashed his racket against his sideline chair, rendering it unusable.
The former world No. 1 and 2021 champion at Flushing Meadows was visibly frustrated when chair umpire Greg Allensworth allowed his opponent, Benjamin Bonzi, another first serve after the unusual disruption.
With Bonzi just a point away from victory while leading 5-4 in the third set, the incident occurred when the photographer—whose credentials were later revoked—strolled along the court’s edge shortly after a fault.
Allensworth instructed the photographer to exit the court and subsequently announced that Bonzi would receive another first serve due to the interruption. Medvedev quickly approached the official to voice his discontent, igniting a lively scene as the crowd booed and chanted, “Second serve!” The delay lasted over six minutes as Medvedev fired up the audience and directed insults at Allensworth.
“He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev exclaimed into the microphones positioned behind the chair.
After the commotion subsided, Medvedev managed to claim that set and the fourth as well. However, Bonzi ultimately triumphed with a score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4.
This defeat marked Medvedev’s third consecutive first-round exit at a Grand Slam, adding to his earlier loss at Wimbledon against Bonzi just last month.
