Daniil Medvedev Faces Hefty Fine After U.S. Open Meltdown

Daniil Medvedev’s unfortunate outburst at the U.S. Open has resulted in significant penalties, affecting both his reputation and wallet. The Russian tennis star has been fined $42,500 following his controversial on-court behavior during his first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi.

Details of the Incident

During the intense match, Medvedev confronted chair umpire Greg Allensworth after a photographer unexpectedly disrupted play. The photographer, Selcuk Acar, stepped onto the court just as Bonzi was serving at match point, causing an unexpected delay that lasted nearly seven minutes.

Breakdown of the Fines

• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: $30,000
• Racket Abuse: $12,500
• Total Fine: $42,500

This financial penalty accounts for more than 38% of Medvedev’s winnings from the match, a startling figure given the high-stakes nature of the tournament.

The Emotional Toll on Medvedev

Medvedev was visibly frustrated by the situation. He hurled accusations at Allensworth, questioning his professionalism:

“Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking? What’s wrong, huh? Guys, he wants to leave. He gets paid by the match not by the hour,” he shouted to the spectators.

Despite his fervent efforts, Medvedev ultimately lost the match in five sets, and his frustrations culminated in him smashing his racket to pieces post-match.

Medvedev’s Perspective

After the match, Medvedev clarified his stance:

“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.”

The Photographer’s Controversial Role

The photographer, Selcuk Acar, defended himself following the incident, stating:

“I’m a victim and totally innocent. This incident has already turned into a lynching, and although I’m innocent, I’ve suffered greatly.”

However, the U.S. Open officials released a statement indicating that Acar had breached tournament rules:

“The photographer had been instructed to stay in place by US Open security. The photographer disregarded these instructions and improperly entered the court between serves on match point.”

As a consequence, Acar’s media credential for the tournament was revoked.

Medvedev’s Lasting Implications

This incident marks yet another challenging moment for Medvedev in the 2025 Grand Slam season, as he secured only one victory at a major tournament—his opening match at the Australian Open. His behavior during the U.S. Open will likely influence his reputation and further interactions with officials moving forward.

Conclusion

Medvedev’s recent fine underscores the pressures professional athletes face, particularly during major tournaments. For more updates on the U.S. Open and other tennis news, check out resources like USTA or follow social media handles for real-time updates.

This article not only covers the incident surrounding Medvedev but also provides insights into the broader implications for conduct in professional sports.