Daniil Medvedev was mostly gathered after a wild scene broke out at the US opening Sunday night.
But even after fighting back to force the fifth set, Medvedev returned early from the major championship. French Benjamin Bonge survived a long battle to beat Medvedev 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 0-6, 6-4 in the opening round. In the first round of the Grand Slam, he marked his second upset victory over Medvedev.
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It was the second half of the third set when Bonji nearly won in a straight set when Total Chaos broke out on Sunday night. Just before Boni was about to play in the match, the photographer suddenly appeared on the court. It is not clear what the photographer was trying to do, but officials soon began screaming at him just before Boni served.
It caused a very long delay while fans were constantly booing and throwing their thumbs. Bonji simply stood at the end of the court and was ready to serve the set point, but Medvedev ate it on the other side. At one point, Medvedev actually walked to the official in the chair and lit up him.
“He wants to go home, he doesn’t want to be here,” Medvedev screamed to ESPN cameras, talking about the officials. “He’s paid by the match, not an hour.”
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Finally, almost seven minutes later, Boni finally served again. Medvedev quickly gained an advantage and continued to live. The first serveback arrived at the net and Medvedev lived on before forcing a tiebreak. After dropping the first two, Medvedev scored three straight points to go back forward and ultimately scored a set.
The photographer was found to be leaving the arena after the third set.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that,” Bongji told ESPN. “I don’t know (I probably waited) five minutes before the next point. It was very difficult to play. It got so loud… I tried to calm down and stay in the game, but it wasn’t easy.”
Bonji had to take a long medical timeout in the fourth set due to obvious issues with his right leg. He took it after beating it 3-0 and then Medvedev quickly forced the fifth set without any problems.
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Down 40-0 in the seventh game, Bonzi saved five breakpoints to take a 4-3 lead in the final set. It was Medvedev behind for the first time since the chaotic scene on the third set.
That was everything we needed to get the match back. He quickly won the next two games and left with victory. It came more than 90 minutes after he closed it for the first time. Medvedev began to break his racket hard after defeat, even while sitting on his bench, when the crowds around him began booing. He didn’t stop until it was completely destroyed.
Bonzi defeated Medvedev in the same round at Wimbledon in June. Medvedev also won one match in four grand slams this season.
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Bonji moves forward to face Marcos Giron in the next round. Meanwhile, Medvedev returns home earlier again as his struggle continues.
