Daniil Medvedev’s US Open 2025 ended in chaos as a photographer invaded the court during his match against Benjamin Bonzi. Discover how the bizarre incident unfolded, the umpire’s controversial call, and what it means for Medvedev’s struggling season.
Introduction: Medvedev’s US Open Drama in New York
The US Open 2025 delivered one of its most bizarre moments when former world number one Daniil Medvedev was knocked out in the first round by Benjamin Bonzi. The match, played under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium, descended into chaos after a photographer walked onto the court during a decisive moment.
What followed was a meltdown, a furious exchange with the umpire, a racquet smash, and eventually a five-set defeat for Medvedev.
The main keyword of this article is “Daniil Medvedev US Open 2025.”
How the Match Unfolded
Daniil Medvedev entered the tournament hoping to revive his season after a poor string of Grand Slam performances. Yet, his campaign ended in shocking fashion against Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, who showed resilience to claim a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 victory.
Key Match Statistics
| Set | Winner | Score | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonzi | 6-3 | Medvedev broken early |
| 2 | Bonzi | 7-5 | Tight set, Medvedev errors late |
| 3 | DaniilMedvedev | 7-6(5) | Bonzi loses focus after interruption |
| 4 | Daniil Medvedev | 6-0 | Russian dominates with aggression |
| 5 | Bonzi | 6-4 | Late-night drama, Bonzi regains composure |
This victory marked one of the biggest upsets of the US Open 2025, leaving Medvedev with only one Grand Slam match win all season.
The Court Invasion That Changed Everything
The pivotal moment came at 5-4 in the third set, with Bonzi serving for the match. As he prepared for a second serve, a photographer carrying what appeared to be a long object walked onto the court.
Fans gasped, and the umpire, Greg Allensworth, quickly intervened, declaring the point interrupted and awarding Bonzi another first serve.
Medvedev exploded in anger, arguing the ruling was unfair. The Russian accused Allensworth of wanting to “go home early” and gestured wildly at the crowd, who responded with chants of “second serve!”
Daniil Medvedev: From Villain to Crowd Favorite
For years, Daniil Medvedev has been branded the US Open’s “friendly villain” due to his fiery antics in New York. This time, however, the crowd was firmly behind him.
- Medvedev smashed his racquet in frustration.
- He demanded an explanation for why Bonzi was given a fresh first serve.
- Fans booed loudly, disrupting Bonzi’s rhythm.
The chaos caused a 6-minute, 24-second delay and transformed the atmosphere into something closer to a wrestling match than a tennis contest.
Security Response: Photographer Escorted Out
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) later confirmed that the photographer’s credential was revoked.
“His credential has been revoked for the 2025 US Open,” the USTA stated, ensuring such an incident would not be repeated.
The photographer was reportedly trying to reach the long-lens pit but made a critical mistake by stepping onto the playing surface.
This unprecedented intrusion highlighted questions about security protocols at major tournaments.
Benjamin Bonzi: The Underdog Who Stole the Night
Lost amid the controversy was the performance of Benjamin Bonzi. The 29-year-old Frenchman kept his composure despite boos and interruptions.
Bonzi admitted after the match:
“It was a crazy scenario. I’ve never experienced anything like it. The noise, the boos, everything made it difficult. But I tried to stay calm.”
His eventual victory came after nearly four hours of play, securing him one of the most memorable wins of his career.
Medvedev’s 2025 Struggles Continue
This defeat underlined a difficult year for Medvedev:
- He has only one Grand Slam match win in the 2025 season.
- His ranking, once at world No. 1, continues to decline.
- Frustrations on court have overshadowed his game.
Medvedev’s 2025 Grand Slam Record
| Tournament | Result | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | 1st Round | Lost to Francisco Cerúndolo |
| French Open | 1st Round | Lost to Alexander Shevchenko |
| Wimbledon | 2nd Round | Lost to Alex de Minaur |
| US Open | 1st Round | Lost to Benjamin Bonzi |
His decline raises serious questions about whether the 2021 US Open champion can rediscover his form.
Tennis Community Reaction
The bizarre incident sparked huge debate across tennis media and social platforms:
- Some fans defended Medvedev, saying the umpire’s ruling unfairly changed momentum.
- Others argued Bonzi deserved a reset after an uncontrollable interruption.
- Analysts compared the moment to other controversial US Open flashpoints, including Serena Williams’ 2018 final dispute.
Former player Sam Querrey, now an analyst, described Medvedev as:
“The US Open’s friendly villain – but tonight, the crowd was his army.”
Wider Questions on Security at Grand Slams
This event has raised important questions for organizers:
- Should photographers have stricter access rules?
- How should officials handle point interruptions?
- Could players abuse crowd involvement to influence momentum?
The USTA will likely face pressure to improve protocols before the 2026 tournament.
Conclusion: A Night of Chaos, Emotion, and History
The Daniil Medvedev US Open 2025 exit will be remembered not just for the result but for the chaotic court invasion and his emotional meltdown.
While Benjamin Bonzi deserves credit for holding his nerve and securing victory, the night will go down in tennis folklore as another chapter in Medvedev’s dramatic history with New York.
Whether the Russian can bounce back from his worst Grand Slam season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his name will forever be linked to one of the strangest nights at Flushing Meadows.
FAQs
Q1: Who defeated Daniil Medvedev at the US Open 2025?
Benjamin Bonzi defeated Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Q2: Why did the US Open 2025 match get delayed?
A photographer invaded the court, leading to a six-minute delay and sparking Medvedev’s protest.
Q3: What happened to the photographer?
The photographer’s credential was revoked and he was escorted out by security.
Q4: How many Grand Slam matches has Medvedev won in 2025?
Only one, marking his poorest Grand Slam season since turning pro.
Q5: What was the final score of the match?
Bonzi won 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4.