Daniil Medvedev Fined for Outburst at 2025 US Open

Tennis player Daniil Medvedev has been fined a total of $42,500 after a heated exchange during his first-round match at the 2025 US Open.

The breakdown includes a $30,000 penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse, as outlined in the Grand Slam rulebook.

This incident unfolded on August 25, when Medvedev faced off against French competitor Benjamin Bonzi. The match took a turn during the third set when a photographer, identified as Selcuk Acar, inadvertently interrupted play, leading to a controversial ruling by chair umpire Greg Allensworth.

Medvedev, visibly agitated, approached the umpire’s chair and posed pointed questions: “Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” His remarks were directed at Allensworth in front of a lively crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

In a moment that captivated spectators, Medvedev seized the microphone and addressed the audience, stating, “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” This outburst extended the match delay by approximately six minutes.

Despite the disruption, Medvedev managed to win the third set but ultimately lost the match to Bonzi in five sets, with scores of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4.

Following the match, Medvedev expressed his frustration with the decision rather than the photographer. “The delay from the photographer was probably four seconds and a half. I’m not sure it’s enough for a [first] serve,” he remarked to reporters.

He also distanced himself from any responsibility for inciting the crowd's reaction. “They did the work,” he stated. “I didn’t do anything. The crowd did what they did without me asking them too much, and it was fun to witness.”

Bonzi, however, had a different perspective, suggesting that Medvedev’s actions only intensified the situation. “It was crazy,” Bonzi commented. “I maybe got some new fans but also some non-fans. It was wild. A crazy scenario.”

The tennis community has not held back in its criticism of Medvedev’s behavior. Boris Becker, a six-time major champion, took to social media to express his concerns. “We call this ‘public meltdown,’” Becker wrote. “I think he needs professional help?!?”