Daniil Medvedev sparks concern with US Open outburst

For the number of Daniil Medvedev meltdowns the tennis world has seen, Monday night on the court of Louis Armstrong hit differently for some.

So much so, people in the sports circle are reaching out out in concern for the world No. 13 player.

During his first-round match of the U.S. Open, Medvedev was close to being eliminated in the third set by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi when a photographer, who has since had his credentials revoked, suddenly stepped out onto the court, interrupting play in between serves for Bonzi.

As a result of the interruption, chair umpire Greg Allensworth ruled Bonzi got another first serve, which led to a furious outburst from Medvedev. He immediately confronted Allensworth and implored the crowd to boo him for the call.

Since the incident that highlighted the first day of the year’s final Grand Slam tournament, German tennis legend Boris Becker has suggested the 29-year-old Russian seek “professional help.”

Close friend and godfather to Medvedev’s children, Andrey Rublev, has also offered support.

“If he wants to change and needs help he has me, a lot of other friends and family that will help him,” the world No. 15 said. “But it’s his life and his decision what he needs to do. Only he knows what is happening.

“I think he needs to take some time because it was a tough loss for him, but I will text him. The year he’s had in the slams has not been easy for him.”

Rublev isn’t a stranger to seeking out help while on tour.

He has previously been open about working with a psychologist on his mental health after having violent meltdowns of his own on the court. A year ago at Wimbledon during a first-round exit, Rublev continuously hit himself with his racket to the point of drawing blood.

Medvedev’s US Open defeat was his third first-round Grand Slam exit of the year, also including Wimbledon and the French Open. At the Australian Open, he only went on to the second round.

After the match ended, he slammed his racket against the repeatedly till it was destroyed.

The 2021 U.S. Open winner has gone 1-4 in Grand Slam matches this year — a low he has not seen since 2017.

“People don’t understand. You’re travelling a lot. He [Medvedev] holds himself to a super high standard,” Frances Tiafoe said. “He’s been struggling, and he’s struggling to face the music, right? He’s struggling to face losing early and to guys he feels like he should be beating, and unprecedented matches, things not going your way.

“Another side comes out, and I hope to see him play to the level he’s capable of playing. Obviously it’s been a super tough stretch for him.”

During his tirade against Allensworth, Medvedev accused the chair umpire of wanting to go home early.

“Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking? What’s wrong, huh? Guys, he wants to leave. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev screamed into the broadcast camera that was next to the chair umpire.

Bonzi went on to win in five sets after previously upsetting Medvedev at Wimbledon.