Talk about a costly tantrum! Daniil Medvedev’s US Open journey took an unexpected turn with a massive £30,000 fine for his on-court antics. What exactly did he say that cost him such a huge chunk of his prize money? You won’t believe the drama that unfolded!

In a significant development from the recent US Open, tennis star Daniil Medvedev faced substantial financial repercussions for his on-court conduct during his first-round defeat. The prominent athlete was hit with a hefty £30,000 fine, directly impacting his prize money from the season’s final Grand Slam event.

The specific incident that led to this punitive measure involved Medvedev referencing a past controversy. During his match, the former US Open champion was heard shouting into a camera positioned near the umpire’s chair, questioning, “What did Reilly Opelka say? What did Reilly Opelka say?” This pointed query drew attention to a previous event involving fellow tennis player Reilly Opelka.

Opelka himself had been sanctioned earlier in the year at the Dallas Open, where he famously labeled the umpire, Allensworth, the “worst ref on the ATP” after receiving a code violation and a point penalty for audible obscenities. Opelka’s strong criticism even extended to demanding the umpire’s suspension, creating a memorable moment in recent tennis history.

Medvedev’s own actions at Louis Armstrong Stadium included an attempt to energize the late-night crowd, which ultimately caused a notable six-minute delay in play. Such disruptions, especially during crucial stages of a professional tennis match, often draw the scrutiny of officials and governing bodies.

Despite his efforts to rally support and even saving a match point during the intense encounter, Medvedev ultimately succumbed to defeat. His early exit from the tournament was a disappointing end to what has been a challenging Grand Slam season for the top player.

The financial consequence of the £30,000 fine meant that Daniil Medvedev departed New York with significantly reduced earnings. His total prize money from the US Open amounted to just over £50,000, a considerable reduction compared to what he might have received had he advanced further without incident.

This particular fine adds to a year marked by inconsistent Grand Slam performances for Medvedev. He experienced a first-round defeat at Wimbledon against Bonzi, where he still managed to secure £66,000. Earlier in the year, he reached the second round of the Australian Open, earning £96,000, before a first-round exit at the French Open netted him around £67,000.

The culmination of these events, particularly the US Open fine, highlights the strict rules governing on-court behavior in professional tennis and the immediate financial implications for players who breach them, underscoring the delicate balance between competitive passion and sportsmanship within the sport.