In a shocking turn of events at the 2025 US Open, former world number one Daniil Medvedev was knocked out in the first round after a dramatic meltdown triggered by a photographer entering the court during his match against Benjamin Bonzi.

The Incident

The chaos unfolded during the third set when Medvedev was facing match point at 5-4. A photographer, seemingly trying to find a position in the long-lens pit, walked onto the court between Bonzi's first and second serve. Umpire Greg Allensworth immediately intervened, shouting at the photographer to leave and granting Bonzi another first serve, citing unreasonable delay.

Medvedev's Reaction

Medvedev, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, erupted in anger. He protested vehemently, whipping the New York crowd into a frenzy. The incident caused a six-minute and 24-second delay, during which the crowd chanted "second serve" in support of Medvedev.

The Aftermath

Despite the disruption, Bonzi managed to regain his composure and eventually secured a remarkable victory with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4 win. Medvedev, visibly devastated, sat disconsolately on his chair after the match, even contemplating the end of his career.

Historical Context

This is not the first time Medvedev has been at the center of drama at the US Open. In 2019, he played the role of the pantomime villain, winding up the crowd before winning them over with a heroic performance in the final against Rafael Nadal. In 2021, he received acclaim after defeating Novak Djokovic to win his first major title.

Medvedev's Future

With this loss, Medvedev is set to drop out of the world's top 20. His recent struggles in Grand Slam tournaments raise questions about his future in the sport. However, Medvedev remains a formidable player, and fans will be eager to see how he bounces back from this setback.

Conclusion

The 2025 US Open will be remembered not just for the high-quality tennis but also for the dramatic events that unfolded on the court. Medvedev's exit serves as a reminder of the intense pressure and unpredictability that come with competing at the highest level of the sport.