With Bonzi serving for the third set at 5-4, a photographer entered the court between his first and second serve. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth ruled for a first serve replay, prompting an angry protest from Medvedev. The Russian loudly challenged the umpire’s decision, inciting the crowd and shouting, “Are you a man? Why are you shaking? He wants to go home guys, he doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” Medvedev continued to rally the crowd, causing a six-minute delay before play resumed.
Despite the incident, Medvedev managed to win the point, claim the third set, and sweep the fourth to force a decider. However, Bonzi regained composure in the fifth set, ultimately sealing the upset victory. Medvedev, visibly frustrated, smashed his racket multiple times at the end of the match and later admitted, “I’m getting a big fine enough, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak.” He also referenced American player Reilly Opelka, who previously criticized Allensworth, shouting, “What did Reilly Opelka say?”
Bonzi, ranked 51st in the world, called it “my best victory ever. It’s very special to do it here,” and noted that Medvedev “started it, and he put oil on the fire. He went crazy with the crowd. Honestly, I never saw that.”
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, has become known for his unpredictable behavior and confrontational style, dividing fan opinion. His antics once again made headlines, but the result adds to a troubling trend—three consecutive opening-round Grand Slam defeats. As the tour looks ahead, Medvedev’s form and temperament remain key storylines, while Bonzi advances to the second round buoyed by a career-defining win.
For full match stats and tournament updates, visit US Open Tennis and ESPN Tennis.