The US Open always promises drama under the bright lights of New York City, but Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev delivered a meltdown for the ages Monday night. In a chaotic five-set battle against French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi, the former champion lost his cool at a critical moment, screaming at chair umpire Greg Allensworth: “Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” Moments later, he capped the tirade by smashing his racket into the court.
Meltdown at Match Point
The eruption came late in the third set with Medvedev down a match point. Just as Bonzi prepared to serve, a photographer stepped onto the court, prompting Allensworth to restart the point and grant Bonzi a first serve. Medvedev erupted instantly, storming across the baseline and berating the umpire in front of a stunned New York crowd.
“He wants to go home, guys, he doesn’t like it here,” Medvedev shouted, accusing the umpire of rushing the match. “He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” Fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium responded with a mix of gasps and boos as play was delayed for nearly six minutes.
After the dust settled, Medvedev fought back with his trademark grit. He clawed his way to a tiebreak win in the third set, then steamrolled through the fourth 6-0, forcing a dramatic fifth. But despite the surge, the energy crash was visible. Bonzi steadied his play and closed the door in the deciding set, sending Medvedev packing 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4.
As the handshake ended, Medvedev’s emotions boiled over again. He raised his racket high and slammed it into the hard court, splintering the frame as the crowd buzzed. The clip went viral, with hashtags like #AreYouAMan, #MedvedevMeltdown, and #USOpenDrama dominating timelines.
In his post-match press conference, Medvedev defended his reaction, saying his anger was directed at the decision, not the photographer.
“Every time there’s a sound from the stands between serves, there’s never a second serve,” he explained. “But he gave him a first. That’s what made me angry.”
For Medvedev, it’s another fiery chapter in his New York legacy with part brilliance, part volatility, and all unforgettable.
