Benjamin Bonzi pulled off a major upset at the US Open, defeating 13th seed Daniil Medvedev in a dramatic five-set match that stretched over three hours and 45 minutes. Bonzi won 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4 after a wild third-set altercation.
The chaos began when play was interrupted due to a photographer accidentally stepping onto the court. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth called for a replay of Bonzi’s first serve, igniting Medvedev’s fury. He rushed over to argue with the umpire, questioning his authority and expressing frustration that Bonzi was being helped.
“Are you a man? He wants to go home,” Medvedev shouted to the crowd, trying to rally their support. The audience responded with boos and jeers that echoed through Louis Armstrong Stadium. After a lengthy delay, the match resumed, but Bonzi seemed shaken. Despite this, Medvedev saved a match point and won the third set in a tiebreaker.
In the fourth set, Medvedev dominated, leading 6-0 and forcing a final set. However, Bonzi displayed remarkable resilience in the fifth. He bounced back, breaking Medvedev’s serve and wrapping up the match in thrilling fashion. Post-match, Bonzi reflected on the game, saying, “It was crazy. I may have gotten some new fans, and maybe some new non-fans too. The energy was wild.”
Medvedev, on the other hand, was visibly frustrated. After the defeat, he slammed his racket on the ground, becoming the first former US Open champion to exit this year’s tournament. His earlier career had already been rocky, with only one second-round appearance in recent major tournaments.
Interestingly, this was not Medvedev’s first explosive moment on the court. Back in 2019, he faced heavy boos during a match at the same venue, which he later claimed energized him. His past antics included throwing a towel at a ball person and receiving a fine for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Medvedev’s unpredictable temperament has made him a controversial figure in tennis. Sports analysts suggest that his emotional outbursts may actually detract from his performance. According to Dr. Matthew Hirt, a sports psychologist, “Maintaining emotional control can be crucial in high-stakes situations, as losing composure can lead to lapses in focus, affecting performance.”
This match serves as a reminder of the intense pressure on professional athletes, where not only skill but also mental fortitude plays a pivotal role. As the US Open progresses, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how players handle both their game and their emotions.
Source link
News, Sport, Tennis, United States, US & Canada