Medvedev’s US open exit ends in racket-smashing outburst

NEW YORK: Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev’s turbulent 2025 season continued with a first-round defeat at the US Open on Sunday, a loss that ended in a dramatic and fiery racket-smashing episode. The former world number one’s frustration boiled over after he was defeated in a grueling five-set match by France’s Benjamin Bonzi.

The match was filled with tension from the start. Medvedev was visibly upset and was seen arguing with the chair umpire over a crucial decision. With Bonzi serving for the match in the third set, a photographer prematurely walked onto the court. The umpire stopped play and awarded Bonzi a first serve due to the delay, a decision that enraged Medvedev. He verbally confronted the umpire and even incited the crowd to boo the call, causing a six-minute delay.

Despite the chaos, Medvedev managed to win the third set and then dominated the fourth set with a bagel (6-0), pushing the match to a decisive fifth set. However, Bonzi ultimately regained his composure and secured the victory with a final score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-7, 0-6, 6-4.

Following the defeat, a visibly emotional Medvedev’s anger escalated. He first slammed his racket on the court and then repeatedly hit it against a bench until it was completely broken.

This loss is particularly notable as it marks the second time this year that Bonzi has defeated Medvedev in the first round of a major tournament, having also won their encounter at Wimbledon.

For Medvedev, who won the US Open in 2021, the loss adds to a disappointing year at Grand Slams. He has struggled to find his form, with early exits at all four majors in 2025. He was defeated in the first round of the French Open and Wimbledon, and in the second round of the Australian Open.

As of this week, Daniil Medvedev’s career record stands at 405 wins and 175 losses, with 20 career titles. This year alone, his win-loss record is 26-17. The US Open, the site of his greatest triumph, now also marks one of his most frustrating defeats of the season.

In other singles matches, Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Taylor Fritz of the United States both advanced to the next round with victories.