Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been fined nearly £31,500 ($42,500) by the United States Tennis Association for his conduct during an “extraordinary” first-round exit from the tournament.
The 29-year-old Russian was knocked out of the Grand Slam after a meltdown that began when a photographer walked onto the court during his match against France’s Benjamin Bonzi.
Medvedev was docked $30,000 for unsportsmanlike behavior and an additional $12,500 for destroying his racket against a chair.
The fine amounts to approximately 40% of his first-round prize money.
The incident occurred as Medvedev faced a match point in the third set. After the photographer’s encroachment, umpire Greg Allensworth awarded another first serve to Bonzi, which infuriated Medvedev.
He confronted the official, shouted at him, and incited the New York crowd, causing a six-minute delay.
Despite losing the chaotic encounter, Medvedev destroyed his racket after the match, before sitting dejectedly on his chair for several minutes.
He had previously stated he was prepared for a significant punishment, telling reporters, “I’m getting a big enough fine, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak.”
