Talk about a costly exit! Daniil Medvedev’s US Open journey ended with a $42,500 fine after an epic on-court meltdown and some serious racquet abuse. What exactly sparked this fiery display, and how will it impact his season? You won’t believe the full story.

The tennis world was abuzz following Daniil Medvedev’s dramatic exit from the US Open 2025, an unfortunate early departure compounded by a substantial fine from the US Tennis Association (USTA). His on-court behavior throughout his first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi of France led to a significant penalty, overshadowing what was already a disappointing performance for the former champion. This incident has reignited discussions about player temperament and the pressures of top-tier tennis.

Medvedev’s troubles began even before the final points were played, with a fiery exchange involving the chair umpire. The contention arose over a photographer’s interruption that momentarily halted the match for six minutes, disrupting the flow of play and visibly frustrating the Russian tennis star. This heated discussion, a hallmark of Medvedev’s more volatile moments, set the tone for the remainder of the chaotic encounter.

Following his five-set defeat, Medvedev’s frustration reached a boiling point, culminating in an act of blatant racquet abuse. Spectators at the Louis Armstrong Stadium watched as he repeatedly smashed his racquet against the court, causing visible damage to the equipment, including loosened strings and a stressed frame. Such actions, while not uncommon in the highly emotional world of professional tennis, carry severe consequences.

The match itself, rather than being a showcase of competitive tennis, evolved into a spectacle of emotional outbursts and interruptions, largely centered around Medvedev’s visible exasperation. His early exit from the New York Major, losing 3-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 6-4, was overshadowed by the drama that unfolded, leaving many to ponder the mental fortitude required at this elite level of the ATP Tour.

For his unsportsmanlike conduct and racquet abuse, the USTA levied a heavy tennis fine of $42,500. This substantial penalty was itemized, with $30,000 allocated for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for the destruction of property. Given that his first-round prize money from the US Open was $110,000, Medvedev effectively took home a significantly reduced sum of $67,500 after the deductions.

This incident is not an isolated one in Daniil Medvedev’s career. At the Australian Open earlier this year, he faced similar scrutiny and fines amounting to $76,000 for various acts of unsportsmanlike misconduct, including racquet smashing and damaging a net camera. Such a pattern of behavior highlights a recurring challenge for the talented but often tempestuous player.

Daniil Medvedev frequently finds himself under public and media scrutiny not just for his powerful game but equally for his fiery outbursts and emotional reactions to losses. Confrontations with officials and dramatic displays are characteristic of his presence on court, often captivating the crowd yet simultaneously frustrating fans and fellow players who expect consistent sportsmanship.

The 29-year-old has endured a particularly disappointing season, marked by a struggle for consistency and early exits from all four Grand Slams. After a second-round finish in the Australian Open, he suffered first-round defeats at the French Open, Wimbledon Championships, and now the US Open. Starting the ATP season ranked No.4, his anticipated drop out of the top 20 following this latest Grand Slam exit underscores a frustrating year for the Russian star.