A devastated Daniil Medvedev was knocked out of the US Open after a meltdown sparked by a photographer walking on to the court during his first-round defeat by Benjamin Bonzi
Medvedev has produced some extraordinary moments at Flushing Meadows over the years – but what happened on the 2021 champion's way to another humbling defeat was perhaps the most incredible.
As the Russian faced match point at 5-4 in the third set, the cameraman walked on to the playing surface between his French opponent Bonzi's first and second serve.
Cue bedlam as the incident - and Medvedev's reaction - changed the course of the match.
Medvedev, 29, raged after umpire Greg Allensworth decided Bonzi could have another first serve, whipping the New York crowd into a frenzy and forcing a delay of six minutes and 24 seconds.
Bonzi understandably lost focus as boos rained down and could not serve out victory.
Almost two hours later, shortly before 1am local time, he eventually secured a remarkable 6-3 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 0-6 6-4 win.
"I just expressed my emotions, my unhappiness with the decision, and then the crowd did what they did without me asking them too much," said Medvedev, who has won just one Grand Slam match this year. It was fun to witness."
The photographer, who appeared to be trying to find a position in the long-lens pit at the side of the court, was later escorted out of Louis Armstrong Stadium by security.
"His credential has been revoked for the 2025 US Open," United States Tennis Association organisers.