Islamabad ( The COW News Digital)In a dramatic turn of events at the US Open, former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev suffered a shocking first-round exit and vented his frustration by violently smashing his racket. The Russian star lost to France’s Benjamin Bonzi in a grueling five-set battle that ended with a stunning upset.
The match, played on Sunday, stretched into an intense contest with Bonzi eventually prevailing over the 2021 US Open champion. Medvedev, visibly agitated throughout the match, engaged in heated arguments with the chair umpire over contentious decisions. But the real drama unfolded after the final point when Bonzi sealed his unexpected victory.
Unable to contain his emotions, Medvedev slammed his racket against the court surface multiple times before smashing it again against the bench, breaking it into pieces. The outburst reflected the sheer disappointment of the 28-year-old, who had entered the tournament as one of the favorites.
This isn’t the first time Bonzi has proved to be Medvedev’s stumbling block. Earlier this year at Wimbledon, the French player also defeated Medvedev in the opening round, raising questions about the Russian’s ability to handle Bonzi’s style of play.
Tennis analysts believe Medvedev’s temper and inability to maintain composure under pressure have become a recurring problem, undermining his performances in big tournaments. Once considered a consistent rival to the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Medvedev’s repeated early exits in Grand Slams have frustrated both his fans and his coaching team.
Meanwhile, in other singles action, world No.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia advanced comfortably into the second round, while American Taylor Fritz also secured his victory, much to the delight of the home crowd. Their progress contrasts sharply with Medvedev’s meltdown, further intensifying the spotlight on the Russian’s disappointing season.
The US Open, often celebrated for its high energy and passionate crowds, has witnessed many emotional outbursts over the years. Medvedev’s racket-smashing display will surely be remembered among the tournament’s most dramatic moments. Whether he can bounce back from this setback remains to be seen, but for now, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on his anger rather than his game.
