Daniil Medvedev’s latest tantrum on the tennis court has proven to be a costly one. The former world No. 1 was fined a total of $42,500 by the U.S. Open on Wednesday following his outburst in the first-round of the tournament over the weekend. Medvedev, who previously won the Grand Slam tournament in 2021, was docked $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse.
The fine followed the Russian tennis player’s heated disagreement with chair umpire Greg Allensworth, who allowed opponent Benjamin Bonzi another first serve in their matchup Sunday after a photographer walked on the court at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The incident took place during the third set, with Medvedev a point away from elimination.
After Bonzi missed his first serve, a photographer left his position and began walking alongside the court. Allensworth instructed the photographer to get off the court and awarded Bonzi another first serve, which Medvedev objected to. Medvedev was booed by the crowd, and in his typical fashion, he continued to rile the fans, blowing them kisses.
Bonzi lost the point and eventually the game. Medvedev went on to win the following set but lost the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4. After the match, Medvedev defended his stance, arguing that the photographer’s disturbance was not long enough to warrant another first serve. He also predicted that a hefty fine was on its way.