‘Carnage’ at US Open: Medvedev’s Campaign Ends in Racquet-Smashing Chaos
Daniil Medvedev’s US Open campaign ended in a stormy first-round defeat as frustration boiled over into a furious racquet-smashing display, prompting commentators to suggest he should leave the court immediately.
Bonzi stuns former champion
Facing France’s Benjamin Bonzi at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the 2021 champion found himself in deep trouble. Bonzi held match point in the third set, but a bizarre delay involving a photographer allowed Medvedev to regroup and force a decider. The Russian even surged ahead early in the fifth set, but Bonzi clawed his way back, sealing a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 victory.
Frustration spills over
After the handshake, Medvedev hurled several racquets into the stands before smashing the one he had used during the contest repeatedly against the bench, cutting his own hand in the process. His behaviour drew sharp words from commentators, with one describing the “ugly” outburst as “carnage” and adding, “He needs to get himself off the court now.”
Daniil Medvedev looking totally distraught after his loss to Bonzi at the U.S. open.
He’s smashing his racquet and just sitting on the court.
Brutal loss to swallow.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 25, 2025
Slump continues
The loss marked Medvedev’s third straight first-round exit at a Grand Slam in 2025. His struggles have seen him tumble out of the ATP top 20 for the first time in years, leaving the Russian searching for form as his once-dominant hard-court game continues to desert him.
