Daniil Medvedev saw his 2025 campaign end in extraordinary fashion, exiting in the first round after a turbulent five-set thriller against France’s Benjamin Bonzi, culminating in scenes of on-court chaos, fierce protests, and a stirring comeback that fell just short.
Photographer Incident Sparks Chaos
The drama unfolded late in the third set when Bonzi, serving for the match at 5-4, saw a photographer accidentally step onto the court. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth responded by granting Bonzi a redo—allowing a first serve instead of a second—which instantly triggered a furious Medvedev meltdown.
Medvedev’s Fiery Reaction
Daniil delivered a barrage of fiery remarks, confronting the umpire with cutting lines like “Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?”, and invoking past officiating controversies. His outburst whipped the crowd into a frenzy, with jeers and chants derailing Bonzi’s rhythm and halting proceedings for around six minutes.
Momentum Shift and Resilience
Despite the chaos, Daniil staged a stunning resurgence—snatching the third set in a tiebreak and obliterating Bonzi 6-0 in the fourth. The rally showcased raw determination and hunger, even as his Grand Slam form faltered through 2025.
Bonzi Seals Historic Victory
In the final set, Bonzi overcame the hostile atmosphere and a knee injury to clinch the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4. He collected his third first-round upset against Medvedev in Grand Slams, a remarkable feat. Daniil responded to the loss with visible frustration, trashing his racket in a moment that underscored the match’s emotional toll.
Medvedev’s Season in Review
This exit marked yet another early departure in what has been a disappointing Grand Slam year for Medvedev—he managed just one win across four majors. Afterward, he acknowledged his inconsistent performance in pivotal moments, admitting struggles across all areas of his game.
Final Thoughts
In a career defined by mind games and court control, Medvedev’s collapse—triggered not by his opponent’s dominance, but by an external disruption—felt like a psychological unraveling. His emotional outburst stirred the crowd, altered the match dynamic, and perhaps, spelled the end of an already tough season.
