Chaos at US Open: Daniil Medvedev rages as photographer interrupts play

In what rapidly became one of the most chaotic moments in Grand Slam history, a match between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi was thrown into turmoil when a photographer mistakenly stepped onto the court at Louis Armstrong Stadium during a critical point in their opening-round US Open battle.  The Frenchman had match point on serve, standing at 5-4 in the third set, but the intrusion forced chair umpire Greg Allensworth to call for a replay of the first serve due to interference. This decision ignited an explosive response from Medvedev, setting off a surreal spectacle.

 

Medvedev Confronts Umpire, Incites the Crowd

 

 

Furious at being deprived of facing a second serve at match point, Medvedev stormed over to the chair umpire and demanded an explanation. His frustration spilled into the crowd as he challenged Allensworth with taunts: "Are you a man? Why are you shaking?" 

INSANE scenes in the Medvedev & Bonzi match at US Open  A cameraman was trying to leave after Bonzi missed his 1st serve.  The umpire gave Bonzi a 1st serve.  Daniil: “Are you a man? Are you a man? why are you shaking? What’s wrong huh? Guys he wants to leave. He gets paid by… pic.twitter.com/nzlqgoWxre

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025

  He even directed viewers to recall what fellow pro Reilly Opelka had said about the umpire being “the worst ref on tour.” Soon the stadium was engulfed in boos and chants, and the match remained suspended for well over six minutes as Bonzi stood stranded, unable to serve in the charged atmosphere. 

 

Momentum Swings Amid the Chaos

 

Despite the backlog of tension, the pause proved to be a turning point. When play resumed, Bonzi soon double-faulted under pressure, handing Medvedev a lifeline. The Russian rallied to win the next two sets, the third via tiebreak, and the fourth with a 6–0 blitz, forcing the match into a tense fifth set. However, the drama was far from over.

 

Bonzi breaks through the turmoil

 

Emerging from the chaos, Bonzi steadied his nerves and wrested control in the deciding set. Swaps of breaks tested both players’ resolve, but the Frenchman held firm. In a final test of composure, he clinched a critical break to win 6–4, sealing one of the most improbable comebacks in US Open history.

Daniil Medvedev looking totally distraught after his loss to Bonzi at the U.S. open.  He’s smashing his racquet and just sitting on the court.  Brutal loss to swallow.  pic.twitter.com/CYvceKNR2M

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025

Aftermath: Rackets Shattered, Emotions Unleashed

 

Following his victory, Bonzi admitted the experience was “wild,” thanking both fans and booers for their energy. Meanwhile, Medvedev’s response to the loss was visceral, he smashed several rackets in frustration during his exit. The photographer was swiftly removed from the court, banned from further involvement in the tournament.