Former champion Daniil Medvedev was fined $42,500 by the US Open on Wednesday following a dramatic outburst during his defeat to Benjamin Bonzi earlier this week.
Medvedev lost 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 on Sunday, but it was his antics in the third set that grabbed headlines. The 2021 champion unleashed a tirade against the umpire and engaged with fans who disrupted his opponent’s serve.
Facing match point and a straight-sets loss, Medvedev was aggravated when a photographer entered the Louis Armstrong Stadium court, coinciding with Bonzi’s faulty first serve.
The umpire granted Bonzi a first serve redo due to the interruption, inciting Medvedev’s fury at the decision.
Medvedev didn’t leave the court immediately post-match. Instead, he slumped in his chair, visibly dejected, before his anger erupted. He repeatedly smashed his racquet against the metal bench.
The six-time Grand Slam finalist broke down in tears, remaining seated as Bonzi began his victory speech just nearby.
Medvedev’s actions led to comments from six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker, suggesting the Russian needs professional support following his “public meltdown”.
“We call this a ‘public meltdown’ … Does he need professional help?!?” Becker remarked on X, sharing a video of Medvedev breaking his racket post-match.
Elite coach Brad Gilbert echoed Becker’s sentiment, referencing Medvedev’s past behavioral issues.
“He had a similar meltdown after losing in Washington DC,” Gilbert noted.
“It seems his emotions are overwhelming him after several tough losses recently.
“I agree, he definitely needs some help.”
Medvedev, who earned $110,000 for his first-round participation, was fined $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $12,500 for racket abuse, according to a US Open document on player infractions.
