US Open: Daniil Medvedev-Benjamin Bonzi match interrupted by photographer, resulting in chaotic 5-set thriller

The primary-round match between No. 13 seed Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi on Sunday evening on the US Open turned chaotic when, of all issues, a photographer prematurely stepped onto the courtroom as Bonzi served for the match. Rapidly, a match that appeared prefer it was destined for a straight-set victory for Bonzi become a five-set thriller. 

Ultimately, although, Bonzi prevailed 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 when it appeared like he was on the verge of a collapse. 

Within the third set, Bonzi was main 6-3, 7-5, 5-4 and serving for the match when he missed his first serve. At that time, with the match on the verge of concluding, the photographer stepped onto the taking part in floor, inflicting a delay. 

Bonzi was making ready for his second serve when the photographer entered the courtroom, so chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi a redo of his first serve. That set off Medvedev, the 2021 US Open winner, and he despatched the gang right into a frenzy.

Medvedev made the break even longer by furiously arguing with the umpire, egging on the gang and losing as a lot time as potential to interrupt the momentum Bonzi had constructed much more. Medvedev, who has fairly the historical past of antics on the US Open, was at peak type on this occasion, and “The Tennis Letter” did some lip studying and transcribing of his diatribe with Allensworth.

Taylor Fritz chimed in on social meda as properly, saying he believed Allensworth’s determination was the suitable one.

Bonzi, who had not been damaged within the match to that time, ended up faulting on his second first serve and finally misplaced the purpose, the sport and the set. And after getting dusted 6-0 within the fourth set, he appeared on the verge of dropping the match altogether as he appeared to start out coping with a leg harm as properly (he took a medical timeout within the fourth set). 

Medvedev broke Bonzi within the first sport of the fifth set, and it appeared like he may in reality cruise to one of many strangest and most controversial comebacks in latest reminiscence. As an alternative, Bonzi discovered a second wind — and began taking part in to the gang as properly — breaking Medvedev again to get on serve. Ultimately, regardless of extra antics from Medvedev, Bonzi dug deep and got here out on prime within the decisive fifth set to cap off one of many extra tumultuous matches in latest US Open historical past. 

Whereas Bonzi celebrated his victory, Medvedev took it out on his racket — and a US Open bench. 

Oh, and that photographer? In response to a number of experiences on website, he was escorted off the property by US Open safety and promptly had his credentials revoked for the remainder of the occasion.