NEW YORK — An unexpected twist unfolded during Daniil Medvedev’s match, as a photographer’s early exit led to a prolonged six-minute delay on match point. The 2021 U.S. Open champion expressed his frustration over the chair umpire’s ruling that allowed his opponent a first serve.
In the thick of it, Benjamin Bonzi was narrowly leading 5-4 in the third set after having claimed the first two sets. Just as he served, a photographer abruptly left their position, forcing Bonzi to pause before his second attempt.
Chair umpire Greg Allensworth quickly instructed the photographer to exit the court and declared that Bonzi would receive another first serve due to the disruption — a standard procedure in tennis. This decision prompted Medvedev to confront the chair in protest.
“He wants to rush home, folks. He’s not here for the long haul! He gets paid per match, not by the hour!” Medvedev exclaimed into the microphones positioned near the chair.
As the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium responded with resounding boos, Medvedev capitalized on the uproar, urging fans to quiet down so Bonzi could serve. When the moment finally arrived, Bonzi faltered with a double fault. Medvedev seized the game and triumphed in the set tiebreaker, extending the match.
This scene echoed Medvedev’s memorable 2019 contest in the same arena, where the crowd’s jeers fueled his performance. He later noted that the audience invigorated him. That year, he made it to the finals and claimed the title two years later.
