Daniil Medvedev provided one of the most dramatic moments of this year's US Open, descending into a full-blown meltdown that saw him draw blood after violently smashing his racket in a fit of fury.
The world number three's explosive outburst occurred during a tense third-round encounter against his compatriot, Andrey Rublev, on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Visibly frustrated after losing a crucial point, Medvedev unleashed his rage on his equipment, hammering it against the court until the frame was destroyed and his own hand was left bleeding.
The incident did not go unnoticed by the chair umpire, who immediately issued a code violation for racket abuse. As Medvedev attempted to stem the bleeding with a towel, an unexpected voice cut through the tension. His opponent and friend, Rublev, could be heard offering assistance from across the net.
'You need help? You need a plaster?' Rublev called out, showcasing a moment of sportsmanship amidst the high-stakes battle.
Medvedev, known for his fiery on-court persona, declined the offer. The 2021 US Open champion received medical treatment during the subsequent changeover, where a trainer bandaged his injured hand, allowing him to continue the match.
Despite the self-inflicted setback and the emotional turmoil, Medvedev demonstrated remarkable resilience. He managed to recompose himself and channel his frustration, ultimately powering through to secure a four-set victory and book his place in the next round.
The incident immediately ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans and pundits divided. Some criticised the display as a poor example of conduct for the sport, while others argued it was a raw display of the immense pressure elite athletes face in Grand Slam competition.
This is not the first time the Russian has courted controversy with his temper on the tennis court, though this particular episode marks one of his most physically damaging outbursts to date.
