Daniil Medvedev Fined $42,500 After US Open Meltdown, Racket Smash

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 09:37 IST

Daniil Medvedev was fined 42500 dollars after a dramatic US Open loss to Benjamin Bonzi, smashing his racket and protesting a photographer incident at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Daniil Medvedev burst into a fit of rage after his loss at the 2025 US Open (X)

Daniil Medvedev was hit with $42,500 in fines at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, more than a third of the $110,000 he earned in prize money, after a dramatic meltdown during his first-round loss to France’s Benjamin Bonzi.

At the conclusion of the five-set defeat, Medvedev repeatedly smashed his racket against his sideline chair, leaving the equipment in pieces.

Tournament referee Jake Garner sanctioned the former world No. 1 with a $30,000 penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse.

Photographer Incident Sparks Fury

The 2021 U.S. Open champion lost his composure on Sunday night when an unusual court-side disturbance unfolded at Louis Armstrong Stadium. With Bonzi leading 5-4 in the third set and serving for the match, a credentialed photographer began walking along the side of the court immediately after a fault.

Chair umpire Greg Allensworth stopped play, told the photographer to leave, and ruled that Bonzi would be allowed to replay his first serve.

Medvedev reacted furiously, storming toward the chair to protest as boos rained down from the stands.

“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 umpire’s microphone, drawing laughter and jeers from the crowd.

The bizarre scene delayed play for more than six minutes, with fans chanting “Second serve!" as Medvedev riled them up.

Remarkably, the Russian regained momentum after the interruption, taking the third set in a tiebreak and dominating the fourth 6-0. But his surge proved short-lived.

Bonzi regrouped in the deciding set, breaking Medvedev’s serve to clinch a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4 victory.

The result marked Bonzi’s second straight win over Medvedev at a major, having beaten him in the first round of Wimbledon last month.

Troubling Pattern for Former Champion

For Medvedev, who rose to No. 1 in the world rankings in 2022, the loss extended a troubling slide. It was his third consecutive Grand Slam first-round exit, raising questions about both form and composure.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 09:37 IST

News sports Daniil Medvedev Fined $42,500 After US Open Meltdown, Racket Smash

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