New York, USA – Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been hit with a hefty fine totaling $42,500 for his fiery on-court behavior during a first-round loss to Benjamin Bonzi on Sunday.
The 2021 champion’s frustration boiled over during his 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 defeat. The fines stem from an explosive incident in the third set where Medvedev launched a tirade against the umpire and incited a jeering crowd, causing a disruption that prevented his opponent from serving.
A Racket Smash and a “Public Meltdown”
The incident, which dominated headlines, occurred when a photographer entered the court just as Bonzi was about to serve for the match, prompting the umpire to call for a re-serve. Medvedev’s furious reaction included a verbal tirade and a smashed racket after the match concluded. The “public meltdown” prompted six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker to say that the Russian needed to seek professional help.
The Final Tally
According to a document released by the US Open, Medvedev was fined $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for abusing his racket. Despite the significant penalty, Medvedev still collected $110,000 for his appearance in the first round.
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