A bizarre scene at the U.S. Open led to a shocking upset as a photographer’s appearance on the court sparked a furious meltdown from Daniil Medvedev, contributing to his first-round loss to Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi.
Serving for the match, Bonzi was interrupted when a photographer stepped onto the court. The chair umpire’s decision to allow Bonzi a first serve enraged Medvedev, who launched into a spectacular tirade.
The match was halted for six minutes amidst a chorus of boos from the crowd, who had their focus on Bonzi.
The photographer was later removed from the court and had their credentials revoked.
Despite fending off the initial match point and forcing a fifth set, a visibly frustrated Medvedev ultimately fell to Bonzi.
The former champion’s defeat marks a difficult year in the majors for him, while Bonzi celebrates a monumental victory, having now beaten Medvedev in the first round of all three of their Grand Slam encounters.
Medvedev, in a final act of frustration, smashed his racket after the final point.