The opening spherical of the 2025 US Open was presupposed to be a routine night time of tennis. Instead, it became one of many wildest scenes the game has witnessed in years, full with a photographer on the court docket, a livid Daniil Medvedev berating the chair umpire, and Benjamin Bonzi someway surviving the chaos to win in 5 units.
A Match Interrupted
Bonzi, main two units to none and serving for the match at 5-4 within the third, appeared poised to get rid of the 2021 champion. He had already missed his first serve when a contract photojournalist, Selcuk Acar, immediately stepped onto the enjoying floor. Play stopped. Confusion unfold. And inside seconds, a tense match had unraveled into pandemonium.
Chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi a do-over on his first serve relatively than permitting him to proceed with the second. That seemingly minor resolution detonated the match. Medvedev erupted, storming towards the chair and shouting at Allensworth whereas whipping the gang right into a frenzy. Fans jeered and whistled for over six minutes earlier than the match resumed.
Medvedev Meltdown
Medvedev’s tirade grew to become an prompt US Open second. He demanded to know why the umpire was “shaking,” repeatedly questioned his braveness, and mocked him for wanting to go away the stadium early. He even referenced an earlier controversy involving American Reilly Opelka, who had as soon as referred to as for Allensworth to be suspended.
The antics didn’t cease there. He egged on spectators, dragged out the delay, and made positive each ounce of pressure lingered over Bonzi’s service. Somehow, Medvedev managed to push the set to a tiebreaker, claw his approach by it, after which steamroll the fourth set 6-0 as Bonzi, nursing a knee situation, regarded rattled and drained.
At that time, it felt like Medvedev had staged one of many stranger comebacks in current reminiscence. But the fifth set introduced its personal swings. Both gamers traded breaks in a nervy end earlier than Bonzi, urged on by his staff’s cries of “Allez!” and “Courage!” struck a clear backhand winner to seal a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 victory.
Medvedev smashed his racket in frustration, his Grand Slam season ending with one other early exit.
The Photographer’s Defense
As for the person on the middle of the storm, Acar insists he was scapegoated. He informed reporters he believed safety had knowledgeable him the match was paused, which is why he moved. A veteran of high-profile worldwide occasions, together with presidential visits and the FIFA World Cup, Acar rejected the concept he had recklessly disrupted play.
The USTA disagreed. In a press release, officers confirmed Acar had been informed to remain in place however ignored each safety workers and the chair umpire. His credential was revoked instantly, ending his entry to the event.
Fallout and Reactions
For Medvedev, although, the controversy was yet one more blow in a season of disappointments. With his loss, he grew to become the primary former US Open champion to bow out this yr.
Meanwhile, Bonzi walked away with each the win and a memorable quote. “The energy was crazy,” he stated afterward. “Thanks to all who were booing. Thanks for the energy. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”