Talk about a grand slam meltdown! Daniil Medvedev certainly made headlines at the US Open, but not just for his tennis. What started as an umpire’s call quickly escalated into a full-blown on-court spectacle, complete with smashed rackets and hefty fines. You won’t believe the full story behind the tennis star’s fiery exit.

Tennis star Daniil Medvedev recently found himself embroiled in controversy following a fiery exit from the US Open, where his on-court behavior led to significant repercussions. The incident, which unfolded during a tense match in Flushing Meadows, saw the former champion clash with officials and draw the ire of the crowd, ultimately resulting in substantial fines and widespread discussion within the tennis community.

The pivotal moment occurred during his first-round clash against France’s Benjamin Bonzi. As Bonzi served for match point in the third set, the chair umpire made a ruling that awarded the French challenger another first serve, igniting Medvedev’s frustration. The decision sparked a prolonged and visible protest from the Russian athlete, escalating into a seven-minute delay.

Medvedev, the 2021 US Open winner and No. 13 seed, responded by slamming his racket on the court and vehemently disputing the call, actively engaging the crowd to voice their disapproval with a chorus of boos. Despite the explosive display, he managed to win that set, forcing a fifth, only to ultimately suffer an upset defeat. Following his loss, his frustration culminated in him destroying his racket multiple times.

Tournament referee Jake Garner subsequently imposed a $30,000 fine on Medvedev for unsportsmanlike conduct, in addition to an extra $12,500 penalty for his post-match racket smashing incident. These financial penalties highlight the tournament’s stance on player conduct and the consequences of on-court outbursts during high-stakes tennis competitions like the US Open.

Adding another layer to the drama was an incident involving a photographer, Acar, whose premature entry onto the court during a critical moment further fueled the disruption. While Acar claimed he was instructed to enter by security, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) stripped him of his credentials for disregarding instructions to stay in place and for failing to immediately sit down when instructed by the chair umpire, emphasizing strict adherence to court protocols.

Footage captured Medvedev’s wife, Daria Medvedeva, observing the scene with her head in her hands, alongside his stern-faced coach Gilles Cervara. While no stranger to her husband’s intense on-court temperament, Daria appeared visibly exasperated by the latest eruption on the Louis Armstrong court, underscoring the emotional toll such events can take on those close to the athletes.

The 29-year-old tennis star entered the tournament in a noticeable slump, having faced early exits in previous Grand Slam events. This latest incident, combined with a history of criticism for his tactics to disrupt opponents, raises questions about his form and mental resilience at crucial junctures in his career, despite his past Grand Slam success.

The US Open drama surrounding Daniil Medvedev serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressures in professional tennis and the fine line between passion and unsportsmanlike conduct. His significant fines and the public fallout from this incident will undoubtedly influence perceptions of his temperament and approach moving forward in his career.