Bonzi Stuns Medvedev in U.S. Open Thriller Marked by Chaos and Controversy
new York, NY – August 25, 2025 – In a first-round match for the ages, Benjamin bonzi of france overcame a furious Daniil Medvedev in a nearly four-hour battle at the U.S. Open,prevailing 7-6(12),3-6,6-7(4),0-6,6-4. The match was defined not only by dramatic swings in momentum but also by a highly charged atmosphere and accusations of gamesmanship.
The contest descended into unusual circumstances during the first set tiebreak. Bonzi, leading, faced a barrage of noise from the crowd as he prepared to serve.Chair umpire Allensworth attempted to quell the disruption, but the chants continued, prompting Bonzi to question why Medvedev wasn’t penalized for seemingly encouraging the commotion. Medvedev, embracing his role as the antagonist, even blew kisses towards Allensworth.
“They did the work. I didn’t do anything,” Medvedev stated post-match, claiming the crowd’s actions were spontaneous. Bonzi countered, asserting, “Daniil started it. He put oil on the fire.”
The disruption led to a six-minute delay before Bonzi finally served,ultimately losing the point and the subsequent one,allowing Medvedev to break and seize the set in a tiebreak extended by the unusual pause. Medvedev celebrated with a heart gesture to the crowd, seemingly demoralizing Bonzi, who later required a visit from the trainer and ultimately lost the fourth set 6-0, and fell behind early in the fifth.
bonzi demonstrated resilience, breaking back immediatly and again at 2-2, battling through five break points to hold for a crucial 4-3 lead. The drama intensified as Medvedev,serving at 5-4 down,began to visibly struggle with hand cramps,shaking his hand between points. His fans responded in kind, a gesture acknowledging his often-contentious relationship with the U.S. Open crowd. Medvedev received a time violation, and a long backhand handed Bonzi match point.
A sprawling Medvedev was unable to return Bonzi’s final backhand passing shot, sealing a stunning victory for the Frenchman.
The defeat marks Medvedev’s third consecutive first-round exit at a Grand Slam, a stark contrast to his 2021 U.S. Open title and final appearances in 2019 and 2023. His ranking is expected to plummet from its current No. 13 position. Visibly enraged, Medvedev destroyed his racket after the match and remained in the arena long after shaking hands with Bonzi, refusing to leave until well into his opponent’s on-court interview.
A visibly stunned Bonzi admitted, ”I had no idea” how he had managed to win. “it was crazy. I maybe got some new fans but also some non-fans.It was wild. A crazy scenario.” He added, “I’ve never experienced something like that. It was so arduous to play. so noisy, during points, between the points. I tried to stay calm, and at the end I gave all I had.”
Bonzi will face Marcos Giron of the United States in the second round on Wednesday.
For Medvedev, the loss raises serious questions about his current form. ”I’m playing bad and in important moments, even worse. Everything. Everything. Serve, return, volley, whatever. Just need to play better,and I’m going to try to do it next year,” he conceded.
(Photo: Elsa / Getty Images)
