Cezar Titor article – published Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 22:26 / Updated Wednesday, August 27, 2025 22:26
Daniil Medvedev (29 years old, 13 ATP) could receive a huge fine, after the nerve out of the first round of the US Open. The Russian lost in 3 hours and 46 minutes with the Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi (29 years, 51 ATP), in five sets: 3-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 4-6. It could be penalized with around $ 100,000, a truly record amount for such a penalty.
What happened? It all started in the third set, when Bonzi was at work for the match ball. A photographer stepped on the field just before the French second service, and the chair referee, Greg Allensworth, granted him a new first service, a rare decision, which jumped from Medvedev.
The Russian broke out immediately, climbing to the referee's chair and shouting, “Are you a man? Why is he trembling? He is paid at the match, not at the hour.” The Russian had several obscene gestures, while destroying its rocket at the end of the match. The scene led to a break of almost seven minutes and sparked the public reaction.
Medvedev, liable to a record fine
Now, the organizers want to give the former number one world an exemplary lesson, leaving it practically without the entire participation prize, Given that players removed in the first round of the main panel receive $ 110,000notes Gazzetta dello Sport.
The respective photographer, named Selcuk Acar, spoke in an interview with Daily Mail and claims that he is, in fact, the true victim of the situation. “I am completely innocent. On the contrary, although I am the injured one, this incident has turned into a lynching. I suffered a lot,” he said.
The only one who defended Medvedev with all the inside was Nick Kyrgioswhich described Medvedev as “the best”. However, the rest of the disapproval was unanimous. Players like Rublev or Bublik said the moment was “hard to look at.” Boris Becker said he needs specialized help, Patrick Mcenroe should take a break.
“If he wants to change and needs help, he has me and many other friends and family members who will help him. But it's his life and he decides what he needs. He only knows what is happening,” Rublev said.
“He imposes a super high standard. He was tormented, he had problems this season, it was not difficult to face the reality that he lost early on some guys he feels should beat. I hope to see him playing at the level he is capable of. It was a very difficult time,” said Frances Tiafoe.
The crisis of Medvedev, on the ground and outside, is more and more prolonged, and this year 2025 is really a nightmare for the former world leader.
