Daniil Medvedev Throws a $42,500 Tantrum at the US Open
Daniil Medvedev just made his wallet significantly lighter after a spectacular meltdown during his first-round exit at the US Open. The former world number one has been slapped with a hefty $42,500 fine for behavior that was, let’s just say, less than sportsmanlike. It seems Medvedev took his frustration out on his racket and the umpire, and now he’s paying the price—literally.
The Russian player’s dramatic exit from the tournament means he’s forfeiting about 40% of his first-round prize money. Ouch. When asked about the incident, Medvedev basically zipped his lips, hinting that saying anything more would just dig him into a deeper, more expensive hole. “I’m getting a big enough fine, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak,” he wisely stated.
What Caused Medvedev’s Meltdown?
The chaos erupted during a nail-biting moment in his match against France’s Benjamin Bonzi. Medvedev was facing match point at 5-4 in the third set when a photographer decided it was the perfect time for a casual stroll onto the court. Yes, you read that right. Right between Bonzi’s first and second serves, a photographer with a severe lack of situational awareness wandered into the line of fire.
This bizarre interruption led umpire Greg Allensworth to award another first serve to Bonzi, a decision that sent Medvedev completely over the edge. The 2021 US Open champion, staring defeat in the face, marched over to the umpire’s chair and let loose. He didn’t just argue; he incited the already frenzied New York crowd, turning the stadium into his personal theater of rage.
Play was halted for more than six minutes as Daniil shouted into the umpire’s microphone, making sure everyone knew his feelings. “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” he yelled, adding a little sarcastic flair to his tirade. The crowd, never one to miss out on some drama, got involved, and the entire situation devolved into pure chaos.
The Aftermath of the Outburst
In a strange twist, the commotion seemed to work in Medvedev’s favor, at least temporarily. The delay and the electric atmosphere appeared to rattle Bonzi, who couldn’t serve out the match. Medvedev, fueled by sheer indignation, fought back to win the set and even pushed the match to a deciding fifth set. It was a classic “never say die” moment, powered by pure, unadulterated anger.
But the comeback story was not to be. Bonzi eventually regained his composure and clinched the victory, sending Medvedev packing in the first round for the third Grand Slam in a row.
After the final point, Medvedev channeled his remaining frustration into his poor, unsuspecting tennis racket. He brutally smashed it against his chair multiple times until it was nothing more than a mangled piece of graphite. He then sat dejectedly in his chair, soaking in the defeat for several minutes before finally leaving the court. It was a walk of shame, but one that came with a very expensive price tag.
The United States Tennis Association wasn’t amused. They docked him $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and another $12,500 for obliterating the racket. All in all, a very bad day at the office for Daniil Medvedev, who leaves New York with a lighter wallet and another early exit to ponder. Maybe next time, he’ll find a cheaper way to vent.
