Medvedev fined after U.S. Open outburst over on-court photographer

Daniil Medvedev erupted during his first-round match at the U.S. Open on Sunday, August 24, after a photographer stepped onto the court at Louis Armstrong Stadium as his opponent Benjamin Bonzi prepared to serve for the match. The chair umpire awarded Bonzi a replay of the first serve, prompting Medvedev to confront the official, rile the crowd and delay play for more than six minutes. Bonzi ultimately defeated the 2021 champion in five sets, 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4, and the U.S. Open later fined Medvedev a total of $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct and racket abuse.

The disruption occurred in the third set with Bonzi serving at 5-4 and match point. Multiple accounts say a credentialed photographer walked onto the court between the Frenchman’s first and second serves. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth stopped play, instructed the photographer to leave and allowed Bonzi to replay the first serve. Medvedev confronted Allensworth at his chair and repeatedly urged the crowd to boo, shouting, according to postmatch reports, "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."