Former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been fined $42,500 dollars for his conduct during a first-round loss to Benjamin Bonzi, organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
Medvedev lost 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 on Sunday, but it was his third-set outburst that dominated headlines.
The Russian lashed out at the chair umpire and incited jeering fans, who disrupted Bonzi’s serve at a key moment in the match.
On match point, a photographer entered the Louis Armstrong Stadium court, prompting the umpire to allow Bonzi another first serve after a fault.
Medvedev reacted angrily to the call, slamming officials and the crowd, and later smashed his racket after the match ended.
The 2021 champion received $30,000 dollars for unsportsmanlike conduct and $12,500 dollars for racket abuse, according to the tournament’s official list of on-site offences.
Despite earning $110,000 dollars for appearing in the first round, Medvedev’s fines significantly cut into his tournament earnings.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker criticised the Russian’s actions, saying Medvedev may need professional help after what he described as a “public meltdown”.
Medvedev, the 13th seed, has yet to respond publicly to the fines. (Reuters/NAN)
