Boris Becker has given a stark warning to Daniil Medvedev, after his crushing defeat and subsequent breakdown against Benjamin Bonzi that concluded 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4.
The world No13's tournament exit marked his second consecutive opening-round defeat to the same French opponent, following their Wimbledon clash in June.
After the devastating loss, Medvedev's composure completely fell apart as he returned to his seat in visible distress and anger.
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The Russian unleashed his fury on his equipment, repeatedly smashing his racquet against the ground until it broke entirely.
Daniil Medvedev completely destroyed his racket after his devastating first round loss
|REUTERS
The 2021 US Open champion's explosive reaction highlighted the magnitude of his disappointment after what has been a dismal year at Grand Slam tournaments, where he has managed to progress beyond the first round on just one occasion.
The catalyst for Medvedev's explosive behaviour occurred during a crucial moment when Bonzi was serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set.
A photographer inadvertently wandered onto the court surface just as Bonzi was preparing his second serve after missing his first attempt.
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The Russian gestured towards the crowd and encouraged a chorus of boos
|REUTERS
Chair umpire Greg Allensworth made the decision to restore Bonzi's first serve due to the interference, a ruling that sent Medvedev into an immediate rage.
The Russian stormed towards the official's chair, launching into a heated verbal assault.
"Are you a man? Why are you shaking? What's wrong huh?" Medvedev shouted at Allensworth during their confrontation.
Medvedev's tirade escalated as he turned towards the television cameras positioned near the umpire's chair, screaming accusations about Allensworth's motivations.
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"Guys he wants to leave. He gets paid by the match not by the hour," the Russian declared to viewers.
The confrontation intensified when Medvedev repeatedly referenced American player Reilly Opelka, shouting "What did Reilly Opelka say?" three times in succession.
Opelka had previously been penalised by the ATP Tour in February after labelling Allensworth the "worst ump on tour."
Medvedev also encouraged the crowd's hostility, gesturing for spectators to create noise at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The audience responded with sustained booing, jeers and whistles that brought the match to a complete standstill for approximately six minutes, preventing Bonzi from serving.
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We call this “public meltdown “ …
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) August 25, 2025
I think he needs professional help ?!? https://t.co/rFyTmegQqx
German tennis legend Becker has now delivered a scathing assessment of Medvedev's conduct, suggesting the Russian requires professional intervention to address his temperament problems.
"We call this 'public meltdown' I think he needs professional help ?!?" Becker posted in response to footage of the incident.
During his post-match press conference, Medvedev remained defiant but acknowledged the inevitable pending fines that would be coming his way.
The photographer's brief four-and-a-half-second disruption had triggered immediate rage from the Russian, which came to boiling point after the game.
"I'm getting big fine enough, so if I speak I'm in big trouble, so I'm not going to speak," he simply stated.