Photographer Banned from US Open Following Medvedev Incident

A photographer's presence at the US Open has resulted in a significant consequence following an incident involving Daniil Medvedev. The individual will not return to the tournament this year after being escorted off the court by security.

On August 25, a spokesperson for the United States Tennis Association confirmed that the photographer's credentials have been revoked for the 2025 US Open. This decision comes in the wake of a heated exchange during Medvedev's first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi.

The controversy unfolded on August 24, when Bonzi, 29, missed a crucial first serve on match point in the third set at Louis Armstrong Stadium. As the match neared its conclusion, the photographer mistakenly entered the court, prompting a disruption.

Chair umpire Greg Allensworth ruled that Bonzi should be allowed another first serve due to the distraction. Medvedev, known for his fiery temperament, approached the umpire while rallying the crowd's support.

“Are you a man?” Medvedev challenged Allensworth. “Why are you shaking?” His remarks escalated as he added, “He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”

Despite Allensworth's attempts to resume play, Medvedev continued to engage with the audience, leading to a six-minute delay. At one point, he even blew a kiss toward the chair umpire.

When play resumed, Medvedev displayed renewed energy, ultimately winning the third set in a tiebreak. However, Bonzi triumphed in a thrilling five-set match, having previously defeated Medvedev at Wimbledon earlier that summer.

Post-match, Medvedev clarified his feelings about the incident, stating, “I was not upset with the photographer. I was upset with the decision. The delay from the photographer was probably four seconds and a half. I’m not sure it’s enough for a [first] serve.”

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

In contrast, Bonzi expressed his disagreement with Medvedev's perspective, suggesting that the Russian player had exacerbated the situation. “It was crazy,” Bonzi reflected. “I maybe got some new fans but also some non-fans. It was wild. A crazy scenario.”