“Medvedev Drama Unfolds Amid Chaos at U.S. Open”

Tennis enthusiasts often argue that the sport thrives on having controversial figures, known as “villains.” Apart from that, there seems to be a demand for a signature $32 Cdn cocktail called the honey deuce in the tennis community.

Tennis, a sport characterized by its strict etiquette and adherence to tradition, occasionally features players who inject drama into the game. These players bring a certain spark with their public outbursts, confrontational behavior, racket-smashing antics, and incidents that leave spectators baffled amid the routine back-and-forth of the game.

During the recent U.S. Open, Daniil Medvedev from Russia embraced this role with gusto. The incident unfolded amidst a chaotic atmosphere in the crowd, possibly fueled by the consumption of “honey deuce” cocktails.

Social media influencer Pekka Kallioniemi remarked, “He smashed rackets, insulted the umpire, incited the crowd — and eventually lost.”

Another commenter expressed disapproval, stating, “Not sure who behaved worse, Medvedev or the crowd. Bonzi did not deserve that treatment.”

This was not the first instance where Medvedev instigated a crowd reaction at Flushing Meadows, although previous occasions saw the crowd directing their ire towards him.

So, what exactly transpired during this incident?

Photographer Intrusion Sparks Chaos

The commotion began with an unexpected turn of events.

The match between the fiery Medvedev and his French opponent, Benjamin Bonzi, spiraled into chaos when a photographer entered the court during a crucial match point. Bonzi, leading 5-4 in the third set, had just missed his first serve when the photographer deviated from his position and started walking along the court’s edge.

Chair umpire Greg Allensworth instructed the photographer to leave the court and announced that Bonzi would have another chance at his first serve due to the delay, a common occurrence in tennis.

A representative from the U.S. Tennis Association confirmed that security removed the photographer from the court premises and revoked his credential.

Subsequently, Medvedev erupted in anger towards the official, provoking a chorus of boos from the spectators.

“Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” he yelled as he approached the chair. “He wants to go home, guys, he doesn’t like it here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”

The boos and chants of “Second serve! Second serve!” persisted for over six minutes. Reports indicated that Medvedev’s wife, Daria Medvedeva, appeared distressed during the upheaval.

Medvedev blew kisses to the crowd