UPDATE: The US Open witnessed extraordinary chaos on Sunday as a photographer stormed the court during a crucial moment in the match between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi. The disruption came just as Medvedev faced match point, halting the game and igniting a spectacular meltdown from the former champion.
The match, held at Louis Armstrong Stadium, was interrupted when a photographer entered the court while Bonzi was serving for the match at 6-3, 7-5, 5-4. This shocking incident prompted chair umpire Greg Allensworth to reset Bonzi’s serve, leading to an explosive reaction from Medvedev. “Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” Medvedev yelled, charging towards the umpire’s chair. He added, “He wants to go home, guys, he doesn’t like it here.”
This stunning disruption lasted nearly six minutes as boos and jeers echoed from the audience, who refused to let Bonzi serve in peace. The USTA confirmed that the photographer was escorted off the court and had their credentials revoked.
Miraculously, the chaos seemed to rejuvenate Medvedev. After fending off match point, he broke Bonzi and leveled the set at 5-5, eventually winning the tiebreak to push the match into a fourth set. Medvedev demonstrated a complete turnaround there, delivering a decisive 6-0 set, while Bonzi took a medical timeout for a knee issue.
However, the crowd’s hostility lingered as they booed Bonzi during his service motions. The final set evolved into a gripping showdown, highlighted by multiple breaks of serve. Energized by chants of “Courage!” and “Allez!” from his supporters, Bonzi clinched the victory with a stunning backhand, leaving Medvedev to return to his seat, where he smashed his racket in frustration.
“It was crazy. I may have got some new fans, but also some new non-fans,” Bonzi remarked after the match. He reflected on the tumultuous atmosphere, stating, “The energy was crazy. I’ve never experienced something like that.”
This shocking defeat marks Medvedev as the first former champion to exit the tournament this year, continuing a disappointing trend in major tournaments where he has only reached the second round once in 2023.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the US Open unfolds, with many questioning the implications of such an incident on players’ performances. What happens next could reshape the narrative of this year’s tournament.