Daniil Medvedev Meltdown Over US Open First Round Elimination

 

Daniil Medvedev had an early exit from the US Open for the first time in his career, following an epic five-setter against Benjamin Bonzi in the first round. 

The former US Open champion lost his grip on emotion in the final set when a photographer interrupted the match by stepping on the court. The situation led to an altercation between the umpire and Medvedev over the decision to retake Bonzi's first serve. 

Daniil Medvedev, holding his ruined racket after his defeat to Benjamin Bonzi in the US Open first round

"Are you a man? Are you a man?" Medvedev said to the umpire after he approached him on his decision. "He wants to go home, guys, he doesn't like it here." 

Eventually, Medvedev was eliminated in five sets by 6-3 7-5 6-7(4) 0-6 6-4. Bonzi converted a break-point advantage to claim the match point. It was a shocking exit for the Russian, who later snatched his racket multiple times on the bench beside him on the sideline. 

Bonzi established a dominance over his opponent from the opening set. He won his first break in the fifth game, and while on a rally in the second set, he saved a break point and won to lead by two sets to love. 

Medvedev made a resurgence in the third and fourth sets, but Bonzi bounced back in the decider. The Frenchman was fired up in the final set and converted a break advantage for his match point.