On August 24, he lost to Benjamin Bonzi at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. The thrilling four-hour match was filled with thrilling back-and-forth plot twists. Medvedev’s frustration would eventually lead to his own outburst in a stormy exchange with chair umpire Greg Allensworth.
It was the American Bonzi that supremely dominated the early stages of the match, sealing two sets of 6-3 and 7-5. Medvedev fell behind, showing his favorite move — toughness — by taking the third set in a tiebreak. He then cruised through the fourth set 6-0, which appeared to restore his prospects. Bonzi got his composure back and went toe-to-toe in that fifth set. In the end, he won decisively, closing out the game at 6-4.
Although he had been on edge all match, Medvedev’s meltdown finally came in the third set when a photographer walked onto the court at a key moment. The disruption incited a heated exchange between Medvedev and umpire Alensworth, adding to the already charged atmosphere on court. In a moment of frustration, Medvedev smashed his racquet multiple times against the court and bench, prompting discussions about sportsmanship and player conduct.
“What other sports is it unsportsmanlike if you just break your own stuff? That’s his racket, he can break it if he wants.” – Andy Roddick
The event focused national attention for its searing ferocity. It was particularly keen to emphasize Medvedev’s narrative of emotional crises on the court. The temperamental demeanor Medvedev has become famous for on-court. Fans have reframed his transgressions, which are now more commonly seen as manifestations of his competitive spirit as opposed to being seen as unsportsmanlike conduct. Roddick weighed in on this evolution, admitting that he is a bit used to Medvedev’s routine.
Frustrations notwithstanding, Medvedev’s spirited mid-match comeback following his rant proved he’s not going down easy and still wants to win this thing. It was Bonzi’s consistent performance that proved to be the difference in his win over No. 13-seed. This loss continues to be an interesting chapter of Medvedev’s career. He won his first and only Grand Slam title to date at the U.S. Open in 2021, beating Novak Djokovic in the final.
In the last three major tournaments, Medvedev continued to battle and returned to the finals once again in 2023. Sadly, he came up short against Djokovic yet again. His performance at this year’s US Open raised questions about his current form and ability to handle pressure in crucial moments.
Reflecting on the intense competitive landscape in men’s tennis today, Roddick explained the excitement of having new players like Bonzi break through with established competitors. He noted, “Ben’s playing great. Taylor, obviously the finalist last year. Tommy Paul has been a semifinalist in a Grand Slam, Frances [Tiafoe] has been a semifinalist in a Grand Slam.”
The importance of this match goes further than just one player’s defeat. It represents a larger shift in the ecosystem of professional tennis. The younger generation of players are breaking through in the sport. In order to compete, veterans such as Medvedev need to change with the times and innovate.
