Russian Star Penalized for Racket Smash, Umpire Argument

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev was fined a total of $42,500 over a heated incident with the chair umpire during his first-round match at the US Open, CE Report quotes BTA.

The 2021 US Open champion and current No. 13 seed was eliminated three days ago after a 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-0, 4-6 loss to France’s Benjamin Bonzi.

The dispute erupted late in the third set when Bonzi was serving for the match at 5-4. During match point (40:30), a photographer stepped into the court zone to reach the designated area. Umpire Greg Allensworth interrupted the game briefly and awarded Bonzi a new first serve, citing the disruption.

This infuriated Medvedev, who smashed his racket on the court multiple times, followed by a 5-minute argument with the umpire.

“He just wants to go home. He gets paid per match, not per hour!” Medvedev shouted into a nearby microphone.

He also referenced fellow player Reilly Opelka, shouting: “What did Reilly Opelka say? What did he say?” – referring to Opelka’s earlier comment in February calling Allensworth “the worst umpire on tour.”

Despite earning $110,000 for his participation, $30,000 will be deducted for unsportsmanlike conduct and $12,500 for racket abuse.