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Tennis Star Medvedev Fined Heavily After US Open Outburst
Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, has been fined a hefty $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct and racket abuse during his first-round loss to Benjamin Bonzi. The fine represents almost 40% of Medvedev’s $110,000 earnings for his brief appearance at Flushing Meadows.
The incident occurred when a photographer briefly stepped onto the court as Bonzi prepared to serve for the match. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth ordered a let, putting Bonzi back on his first serve.
This sparked a furious reaction from Medvedev, who stormed towards the umpire, shouting, “Are you a man? Why are you shaking?”
He also accused the umpire of being motivated by pay, saying, “He wants to go home, guys, he doesn’t like it here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
Medvedev also repeatedly referenced US player Reilly Opelka’s recent call for Allensworth’s suspension, shouting, “What did Reilly Opelka say?”
The outburst delayed the match for approximately six minutes, as the crowd reacted with a mix of boos and whistles, making it difficult for Bonzi to resume play. The photographer was subsequently escorted from the court and had their credentials revoked.
Bonzi, at one point, threatened to leave the court and demanded Medvedev’s disqualification. While Medvedev rallied after the incident, Bonzi ultimately won the match in five sets.
Medvedev’s frustration continued after the match as he repeatedly slammed his racket against his bench.
Following the outburst, fellow Russian player and friend Andrey Rublev offered his support to Medvedev, stating, “If he wants to change and needs help, he has me, a lot of other friends and family that will help him.” Rublev acknowledged the difficult year Medvedev has had, particularly in Grand Slam tournaments.
American tennis star Frances Tiafoe suggested Medvedev’s frustrations likely stem from his recent string of early exits in major tournaments. “He holds himself to a super high standard,” Tiafoe observed. “He’s been struggling and he’s struggling to face the music…He’s struggling to face losing early to guys he feels he should be beating.”