By Shrivathsa Sridhar
NEW YORK (Reuters) -Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker said Daniil Medvedev should seek professional help in the wake of his “public meltdown” during Sunday’s U.S. Open first-round defeat by Benjamin Bonzi.
Medvedev crashed out 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 to the Frenchman but it was his antics in the third set that dominated the headlines, the 2021 champion launching a tirade against the umpire and whipping up a jeering crowd that prevented his opponent from serving.
The 13th seed was facing match point and a straight sets defeat when a photographer wandered onto Louis Armstrong Stadium court just as Bonzi misfired his first serve.
The umpire then allowed Bonzi another first serve because of the unauthorised incursion, sparking wild scenes as Medvedev launched into his tirade.
“We call this ‘public meltdown’ … I think he needs professional help?!?” Becker said on X, sharing a video of Medvedev smashing his racket after the match had concluded.
Elite coach Brad Gilbert agreed with Becker’s post, highlighting Medvedev’s previous episodes of poor behaviour.
“He did the same thing after his loss in Washington DC, was a complete meltdown there too,” Gilbert said.
“Unfortunately the brain is getting the better of him after losing these close matches the last few months.
“I agree he definitely needs some help.”
After Sunday’s match, Medvedev said his anger had nothing to do with the photographer but the chair umpire’s decision.
“I think nothing special. Every time there is a sound from the stands between the serves, there is never a second serve. But well, it helped me get back into the match,” he said.
“It was a fun moment to live. I was not upset with the photographer. I was upset with the decision.”
Former player-turned analyst Patrick McEnroe said Medvedev, who has had an up and down relationship with the New York crowd over the years, needed some time away from the game to reset.
“Medvedev needs to take the rest of the year off,” he added.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Medvedev found support from maverick Australian Nick Kyrgios.
“Medvedev is the best,” he posted on social media.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in New York; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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