The first-round US Open clash between No. 13 seed Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi descended into chaos Sunday night when a photographer stepped onto the court at a critical moment.
Bonzi, on the verge of sealing a straight-sets victory, was serving for the match at 6-3, 7-5, 5-4 when the disruption occurred. After missing his first serve, the photographer entered the playing surface, prompting chair umpire Greg Allensworth to order a replay.
The ruling enraged Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, who launched into a heated exchange with the umpire and whipped up the crowd. The delay rattled Bonzi, who lost the game and set, as Medvedev surged to sweep the fourth 6-0 and force a decider.
But in the fifth, despite a leg injury and medical timeout, Bonzi regained his composure, broke back, and closed out a dramatic 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 victory — one of the biggest wins of his career.
Medvedev vented his frustration by smashing his racket and striking a courtside bench, while Bonzi celebrated with fans.
Tournament officials later said the photographer was escorted out and had his credentials revoked. American No. 1 Taylor Fritz defended the umpire’s call on social media:
“Someone literally running on the court when he’s not supposed to is insane and not something you just play through.”
The bizarre incident ensured the match will be remembered as one of the most controversial opening-round encounters in US Open history.
