Daniil Medvedev ‘Glad’ He Didn’t Win Dramatic US Open Match Against Benjamin Bonzi: “It Would’ve Been Very Ugly”

World No.13 Daniil Medvedev lifted only the Almaty Open this year by defeating Corentin Moutet.

Daniil Medvedev ‘Glad’ He Didn’t Win Dramatic US Open Match Against Benjamin Bonzi: “It Would’ve Been Very Ugly”

Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi (via X/TENNIScentel/Jose Morgado)

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Daniil Medvedev looked back on his controversial conduct at this year’s US Open. The Russian ace admitted that he felt glad that the match did not end in his favor.

Medvedev clashed with Benjamin Bonzi in the first round of the US Open, and he was on the verge of losing as the latter had a 2-0 lead. Bonzi was serving for the match in the third set when a cameraman inadvertently interrupted by trotting toward the photographer’s spot at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The umpire gave the first serve to the Frenchman to the frustration of the 2021 US Open champion, who went on a rant against the umpire and also encouraged the crowd to boo, who did not disappoint him as boos reverberated in the stadium for six minutes.

The distraction saw Bonzi losing the set and was bageled in the fourth set. But despite the turn of tables, Medvedev failed to end the match in his favor. He recalled that match during his interview with Bolshe Tennis’ Sofya Tartakova.

I think winning it wouldn’t help me in any way. I’d be upset because of what happened, especially on match point… Before that, I didn’t behave well either, but if I lost the third set 6-4, not many people would remember that match. It would’ve all been quick and easy. But it happened on the match point. Bonzi had nothing to do with it; it was the umpire.

Daniil Medvedev said

It was Medvedev’s third defeat to the World No.95. Prior to the New York Slam, Medvedev also lost his first-round Wimbledon match at the hands of Bonzi.

I still think, and I’m not criticizing anyone, but I think that it wasn’t the right moment to grant him the first serve. It often happens that the crowd shouts, and the photographer is off the court very quickly. I would’ve most likely made an error off that second serve and the match would’ve been over, but it backfired against Bonzi… I didn’t hype the crowd to boo him or anything like that. Deep down, I’m glad I didn’t win because it would’ve been very ugly towards him, and I wouldn’t want that.

Daniil Medvedev added

Surprisingly, Bonzi was the reason behind Medvedev’s defeat in the first round of the 2017 French Open. Following his win over the former World No.1, Bonzi went on to reach the third round only to lose to compatriot Arthur Rinderknech.

Daniil Medvedev ended the 2025 season with just one title

Daniil Medvedev knows quite well that he played poorly this year. Medvedev, in fact, had doubts about his career as he thought about whether he would be able to continue playing the way he used to. But the fear disappeared during the Asian swing.

Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev (Image via X/TENNISCentel)

He made deep runs in almost every tournament, including at the Shanghai Masters, where his run ended in the semifinals. The 29-year-old then finally ended his title drought by defeating Corentin Moutet at the Almaty Open. It was surprisingly his first victory since his 2023 Italian Open win. Medvedev also reached one more final this year. He lost the Halle Open against Alexander Bublik.

Medvedev ended the season with a 41-23 win-loss record. His topsy-turvy season also affected his ranking as he now stands at the 13th spot. Also, for the first time since 2019, he failed to qualify for the ATP Finals, where he lifted the title in 2020 by defeating Dominic Thiem.

In the Grand Slam events this year, Medvedev failed to progress beyond the second round. He reached the round of 64 only at the Australian Open, while in the next three Majors, he crashed out in the first round.

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