Daniil Medvedev told to get ‘professional help’ after worrying meltdown as photographer gets US Open ban
Tennis legend Boris Becker has told Daniil Medvedev to get ‘professional help’ after a worrying post-match meltdown that followed a chaotic US Open loss.
German tennis legend Boris Becker believes Daniil Medvedev should seek “professional help” after the Russian crashed out of the US Open following the latest in a long line of spectacular on-court meltdowns.
Medvedev was at the centre of extraordinary scenes during his late-night battle with France’s Benjamin Bonzi on Sunday, losing in five sets in a game that descended into chaos during the third set.
The drama unfolded when chair umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi a first serve as he served on match point after a photographer mistakenly wandered onto the court.
The photographer has had credential revoked for the remainder of the tournament.
That ruling sparked a furious reaction from Medvedev, who unleashed an angry tirade at Allensworth, accusing the official of wanting to end the game early.
“Are you a man? Are you a man?” Medvedev ranted. “He wants to go home guys. He doesn’t like to be here, he gets paid by the match, not by the hour.” Medvedev then turned to the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd, waving his arms wildly to encourage them to voice their displeasure, leading to a six-minute delay before Bonzi could finally serve.
The rattled Frenchman subsequently lost his serve and the set, but later fought back to clinch a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 0-6, 6-4 victory.
Medvedev’s final act was to violently smash his racquet in anger following the loss.
The Russian later told reporters he was expecting a big fine for his actions but denied inciting the crowd, leading to the six-minute delay.
“I’m getting big fine enough, so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak,” Medvedev said.
Asked if he was deliberately testing officials to see how far he could go before being defaulted from a tournament, he replied: “Today I didn’t do anything bad, no.” But Medvedev’s actions were a cause for concern for six-time Grand Slam champion Becker.
“We call this ‘public meltdown’” Becker wrote in a post on X about Medvedev’s eruption. “I think he needs professional help ?!?”.
Former US tennis player, coach and commentator Brad Gilbert agreed, saying Medvedev’s “brain is getting the better of him” after a string of recent defeats. The 29-year-old has now lost in the first round at three straight Grand Slams this year.
“I agree he definitely needs some help,” Gilbert replied to Becker’s post.
We call this “public meltdown “ …
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) August 25, 2025
I think he needs professional help ?!? https://t.co/rFyTmegQqx
Former US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe meanwhile said Medvedev should take a break from the game.
“And Medvedev needs to take the rest of the year off,” McEnroe wrote on X. Medvedev has compiled a litany of on-court outbursts throughout his career, regularly clashing with umpires and racking up thousands of dollars in fines in the process.
At the 2019 US Open he sparred with American fans after snatching a towel from a ballboy, tossing his racket towards the umpire and making an obscene gesture to the crowd. He was later fined $19,000 for his actions in the tournament.
At the 2022 Australian Open, he lambasted chair umpire Jaume Campistol, at one point questioning the official’s competence and asking: “Are you stupid?”.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMP BUNDLED OUT IN OPENING ROUND
Sixth seed Madison Keys was sent tumbling out of the US Open on Monday, losing in straight sets to lowly ranked Mexican player Renata Zarazua.
Reigning Australian Open champion Keys bowed out after an attritional battle with Zarazua, who prevailed 6-7 (10/12), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.
Zarazua, ranked 82 in the world, took advantage of Keys’ problems with her service game to claim an impressive win.
Keys gave up 14 double faults and was broken six times as Zarazua battled into a second-round meeting with France’s Diane Parry.
Keys’ defeat comes after a solid season in Grand Slams following her maiden victory at the Australian Open in January. She reached the quarter-finals at the French Open before progressing to the third round at Wimbledon.
Australia’s Adam Walton and Priscilla Hon are both through to the second round.
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