Sunday, August 24, 2025 (local time) is likely a date that Russian Medvedev, ranked 13th, wants to forget.
The mishap in his match against Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in the first round of the US Open began when a photographer entered the court as Bonzi was to serve for the win at 6–3, 7–5, 5–4. The photographer's presence disturbed Medvedev, who shortly thereafter became furious with the judge and in his rage incited the audience – a scene that stopped the game for over six minutes.
When the game finally got underway again, Medvedev managed to save both match ball and win both the third and fourth sets, but ultimately lost anyway. The loss did not improve the Russian's mood, who took out his frustration by smashing his racket.
Now, the tournament's chief judge has decided that Medvedev will have to pay $42,500 – equivalent to 405,000 kronor – in fines for his behavior, of which $30,000 is for unsportsmanlike conduct and $12,500 for the destruction of his racket.
The Russian, who won the US Open in 2021, has not been in form lately and has now been eliminated in the first round in the last three Grand Slam tournaments.
