Daniil Medvedev truly knows how to grab the spotlight. Just that it is not doing any good to him. In his opening round at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Russian once again found himself contesting against Benjamin Bonzi, which did not end too well for him. During the third set, tension peaked when Bonzi faulted his first serve on match point after the ball clipped the net. Just then, the umpire spotted a stray photographer who had wandered onto the court and allowed Bonzi to replay the first serve.

“Are you a man? Are you a man? Why are you shaking?” Medvedev shouted at the umpire before losing the game in a five-set thriller. This was a consecutive 1st-round exit for the Russian from grand slam tournaments after Wimbledon 2025. And ironically, it was Bonzi only who showed him the door in the 1st round of Wimbledon this year as well. Hence, the outburst from the 2021 US Open champ. And while Medvedev’s grand slam season might be over, he surely is not getting away without some stern criticism from the tennis world.

The meltdown lit up social media, and tennis legends wasted no time weighing in. German great Boris Becker quote-tweeted the viral video of Medvedev’s racquet demolition, writing bluntly: “We call this ‘public meltdown’ … I think he needs professional help!?” He wasn’t the only one, though.

Patrick McEnroe chimed in with advice of his own. “And Medvedev needs to take the rest of the year off,” he posted, suggesting the Russian should regroup away from the tour. Their words underscored a growing concern—Daniil Medvedev isn’t just losing matches; he looks like he’s losing patience too.

The numbers back it up. Medvedev hasn’t clicked at the Slams this season, with a string of early exits adding to the frustration. His only deep run came in Halle, where he finished runner-up at an ATP 500. He has not lifted a trophy since the 2023 Italian Open.

The frustrations of a barren year boiled over in New York, but Medvedev isn’t entirely alone. His close circle, including friends on tour, remains in his corner as he tries to find his way back.

Players show support for Medvedev’s well-being

Andrey Rublev has spoken up for his close friend Medvedev after the former US Open champion’s fiery first-round exit at Flushing Meadows. The 15th seed made it clear that Medvedev won’t face this moment alone. “If he wants to change and needs help, he has me, a lot of other friends and family that will help him,” Rublev said.

But he also acknowledged the boundaries. “It’s his life and his decision what he needs to do. Only he knows what is happening.” With Daniil Medvedev’s early Grand Slam struggles this year—three first-round exits out of four—Rublev knows how heavy the frustration can get. The Russian added that stepping away might be the best path forward.

“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 admitted, speaking with the empathy of a friend who’s battled his own dips in form. In his view, Medvedev’s meltdown wasn’t just about one loss—it was the weight of a whole season crashing down at once.

Rublev isn’t the only player offering perspective. Frances Tiafoe also gave his take, calling the scene “a circus.” He urged fans to understand the hidden struggles behind Daniil Medvedev’s rage. “People don’t understand. You’re travelling a lot. He [Medvedev] holds himself to a super high standard. 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.”

While Daniil’s meltdown earns both concern and scrutiny, the Russian himself knows he’s going to pay for the actions. What happens next? Can he reset before the season ends, or does the drought stretch on? Only time will tell. For now, the US Open carries on with stars lighting up New York, and every twist lives on through our Live Blog!