BOOS ALL AROUND

Tennis Star Explodes Over Photographer’s Mistake in Racket-Smashing U.S. Open Meltdown

World No. 13 Daniil Medvedev lambasted the umpire for the decision to allow a second first serve.

A clash at the U.S. Open descended into chaos, sparked by a photographer causing an interruption in play, and culminating in Daniil Medvedev smashing his racket on a bench. The first round contest between the Russian, a former world’s best player, and unseeded Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi was stalled when a photographer absent-mindedly stumbled into the court, before trying to sneak into the press pit, backed by a soundtrack of outraged fans, all as Bonzi prepared to serve for match point. The photographer’s movement to capture the moments of what would have been a historic moment for the Frenchman came too early, and when Bonzi served a fault was given a do-over by the umpire due to the distraction. “Stop now, get off the court, please,” umpire Gregory Allensworth said over his microphone. “First serve because of a delay caused by an outside interference.” Medvedev then engaged in a heated exchange with Allensworth, demanding, “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 then continued to encourage booing from the crowd, reports the Daily Mail. When he eventually quietened them down, Bonzi double-faulted, handing Medvedev the game and then the set. Medvedev then won a clean sweep on the fourth, but Bonzi finally won out in the fifth, sparking scenes of world no. 13 Medvedev repeatedly smashing his racket and a career highlight for the winner.