Daniil Medvedev has been fined more than a third of his prize money earned at this year’s US Open for his behaviour during his first round match earlier this week.
The former world No.1 engaged in a heated argument with the umpire during a bizarre incident that took place in his clash with Benjamin Bonzi. Bonzi was serving for the match in the third set when a photographer stepped onto the court between serves. The umpire then awarded the Frenchman another first serve due to the interruption, which infuriated Medvedev.
“He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev shouted into the microphones.
There was a delay of more than five minutes as Medvedev deliberately fired up the crowd. When play eventually resumed, he managed to break back but ended up losing in five sets. Immediately after the match, he destroyed his racket on the court out of anger. As for the photographer, his credentials have been revoked.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has issued Medvedev with a $42,500 fine, which is a large chunk of the $110,000 he earned from playing at the tournament. $30,000 of the fine was for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse.
“I’m getting a big enough fine, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak,” Medvedev said earlier this week.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker recently said on social media that he believes Medvedev needs professional help to address his emotions during matches. Meanwhile, fellow Russian and close friend Andrey Rublev says he is willing to help if asked.
“I don’t know – if he wants to change and needs help he has me, a lot of other friends and family that will help him,” said Rublev.
“But it’s his life and his decision what he needs to do. Only he knows what is happening.”
Medvedev has won one Grand Slam match this season compared to 18 in 2024. This is the fewest he has won since 2017, which was the year he made his main draw debut.
