- Aug 24, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Daniil Medvedev gestures after winning a point against Benjamin Bonzi (FRA)(R) on day one of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Daniil Medvedev’s US Open Meltdown: When a Photographer Turned Tennis Into Pure Chaos

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 5:01 AM ET

Look, we’ve all seen tennis drama before, but what happened to Daniil Medvedev at the US Open on Sunday night? That was something else entirely. Picture this: you’re one point away from potentially losing in straight sets, tension is through the roof, and then some photographer decides it’s the perfect moment to take a leisurely stroll onto the court. Yeah, that actually happened.

The Moment Everything Went Sideways for Medvedev

Here’s where things get absolutely wild. Benjamin Bonzi, the French player who had already taken the first two sets, was serving at 5-4 in the third set. Match point territory. High stakes, pressure cooker stuff. Bonzi misses his first serve – standard tennis drama so far. But then, in a move that would make even the most seasoned tennis fans shake their heads, a photographer apparently forgot where he was and wandered onto the court before Bonzi could attempt his second serve.

Chair umpire Greg Allensworth had to step in, telling the photographer to get lost (probably not in those exact words, but you get the idea). Following standard tennis protocol, Allensworth awarded Bonzi another first serve due to the delay. Sounds reasonable, right?

Well, Medvedev didn’t think so.

When Medvedev Lost His Cool (Again)

The Russian tennis star, who’s never been one to hold back his feelings, absolutely exploded. He marched over to the chair umpire and let loose with what might be one of the most savage call-outs in recent tennis history:

“He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev shouted into the courtside microphones.

Brutal? Absolutely. Effective? You bet.

The Crowd Goes Wild (And Not in a Good Way)

What followed was pure chaos. The Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd erupted into boos that lasted over six minutes. Six minutes! That’s longer than most commercial breaks. Medvedev, being the master manipulator he is, actually encouraged the crowd’s reaction, feeding off their energy like some kind of tennis villain.

But here’s where it gets interesting – eventually, even Medvedev realized things had gone too far. He actually tried to calm the crowd down so Bonzi could serve. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.

The Aftermath: When Chaos Pays Off

When play finally resumed after the extended delay, Bonzi was clearly rattled. The Frenchman double-faulted, handing Medvedev the game on a silver platter. From there, Medvedev took the set in a tiebreaker and eventually forced the match into a deciding fifth set.

It’s hard not to wonder what might have happened if that photographer had just stayed put. Would Bonzi have closed out the match? We’ll never know, but what we do know is that Medvedev seized the moment like the opportunistic competitor he is.

History Repeating Itself: Medvedev’s Greatest Hits

This isn’t Medvedev’s first rodeo with crowd drama at the US Open. Back in 2019, on the very same Armstrong Stadium court, he had an epic meltdown that included snatching a towel from a ball person, throwing his racket toward the umpire, and giving the crowd his middle finger. That little tantrum cost him $9,000 in fines, but it also fueled his run to the final.

He later admitted that the crowd’s negative energy actually helped him play better. Classic Medvedev – turning hatred into fuel.

The Photographer Gets the Boot

The US Tennis Association wasn’t messing around. They escorted the photographer out of the venue and revoked his credentials. Harsh? Maybe. But when you’re dealing with a match this tense and players this wound up, there’s no room for amateur hour mistakes.

What This Means for Medvedev’s Tournament

This whole circus act might have actually saved Medvedev’s tournament. The guy has been struggling at major events this year, and getting knocked out by Bonzi in the first round at Wimbledon was already a low point. Now, with this dramatic comeback opportunity, he’s got a chance to build some momentum.

The real question is whether Medvedev can channel this chaotic energy into something productive for the rest of his US Open campaign. History suggests he can – this is the same guy who won the whole thing in 2021, after all.

The Bigger Picture

This incident highlights something fascinating about modern tennis: the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat, and how external factors can completely shift momentum. One photographer’s mistake turned what should have been a straightforward Bonzi victory into a five-set thriller.

It also showcases Medvedev’s unique ability to turn negative situations to his advantage. Not many players can orchestrate a crowd revolt, use it to rattle their opponent, and then somehow become the voice of reason calling for calm. That’s next-level gamesmanship right there.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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