New York, Aug 28 (AP) - Daniil Medvedev faced significant financial penalties at the U.S. Open, being fined $42,500, which is more than a third of his $110,000 tournament prize money. This fine came after a meltdown during his first-round loss when a photographer unexpectedly wandered onto the court during the match.
Referee Jake Garner penalized Medvedev $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse. In a fit of frustration after the match, Medvedev repeatedly smashed his racket against his sideline chair, destroying it.
Having claimed the U.S. Open title in 2021 and once holding the No. 1 ranking, Medvedev was visibly upset during the incident on Sunday night when chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Medvedev’s opponent, Benjamin Bonzi, another first serve following the unexpected disruption.
In a tight third set, with Bonzi on the brink of winning at 5-4, the photographer, whose credentials were subsequently revoked, was seen walking along the side of the court just after a fault at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Allensworth instructed the photographer to leave the court and announced the decision to grant Bonzi another first serve due to the delay. This caused Medvedev to confront the official, escalating the situation. The spectators began to boo and chant, “Second serve!” The disruption extended over six minutes as Medvedev further incited the crowd and criticized Allensworth.
“He wants to go home, guys. He doesn't like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev exclaimed into the microphones behind the chair.
Once the chaos subsided, Medvedev managed to capture that set and the subsequent fourth set. However, Bonzi ultimately claimed victory with a final score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4.
This marked Medvedev's third straight Grand Slam exit in the first round, including his recent defeat against Bonzi at Wimbledon last month. (AP) APA APA
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