Daniil Medvedev’s Grand Slam season ended with an outburst of frustration.
In yet another early exit at a major in 2025, Medvedev crashed out in the first round of the US Open to Benjamin Bonzi.
Bonzi, who had also defeated the Russian in round one at Wimbledon, overcame him once more at Flushing Meadows in a brutal five-setter.
The Frenchman almost blew a two-set lead after Medvedev came back to force a decider, but he ultimately got over the line to advance to the second round.
Following his defeat, Medvedev sat down and smashed one of his rackets against his chair, which he believes received an ‘exaggerated’ reaction.
Daniil Medvedev reflects on his outburst at the 2025 US Open
Reflecting on the racket smash in an interview with Bolshe, the former world number one said: “I accidentally had one racket left in the bag because I didn’t give it away.
“Just so you understand how everything in our world is exaggerated, people started saying that I disrespected the opponent because I stayed after the match while he was giving an interview.
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“But I had cramps. I couldn’t stand up. I would gladly break this racket somewhere in the locker room. No one would have seen this. I would have left the court as soon as possible.
“I started packing my bags, my legs cramped, and I sat down. He was already giving the interview and I was like ‘what am I doing here’, but I couldn’t stand up.
“At the end of the day, it was just another experience. I have apologised to those I think I should have apologised to.
“On the court, there are emotions and adrenaline. For me, it is much more important how you behave outside the court.”
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When asked if he has watched the match against Bonzi back, Medvedev responded: “No, and I am not planning to.
“It was probably one of the toughest moments of my career in a long time. During the match, I felt awful.
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“Just inside, when it comes to my inner strength, I did not have it that match, and that is why all of it happened (the outburst).
“But this match helped me realise I needed to change something, both within myself and around me.”
After his loss against Bonzi, Medvedev parted ways with longtime coach Gilles Cervara and appointed Thomas Johansson.
He has seen improved results with Johansson in his corner, and ended his 882-day title drought at the Almaty Open.
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