Daniil Medvedev and the US Open crowd have a history of confrontations and that came to the floor again in the Russian’s second-round victory against Chris O’Connell. Medvedev got into a heated debate with a fan who was moving when the Russian was ready to serve. This prompted an angry reaction from the world number 3 and led to an exchange of words between him and the spectator.
The Russian has had similar incidents in the past at the US Open, most notably in 2019 when Medvedev was constantly involved in arguments with the crowd. Just days before this latest incident, Medvedev said the crowd is nice to him this time but that statement now seems far-fetched.
Social media reaction to Medvedev’s heated exchange with fan
Daniil Medvedev’s latest match at the US Open was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. As the Russian star battled his opponent on the court, a fan was seen walking around when Medvedev was ready to serve. Medvedev was clearly unhappy with the spectator and asked her if she was stupid to which the spectator replied with a flying kiss. The Russian was clearly not happy with the situation given he had just lost a set.
The incident left fans buzzing, with opinions divided on the exchange. Some applauded Medvedev’s fiery spirit, while others found the exchange to be a testament to the passionate nature of the US Open crowd. Some people compared the US Open crowd to the much sophisticated crowd at Wimbledon.
This is a US open issue, public are so disrespectful
— Andres Ramirez (@AndresR61405434) September 1, 2023
You gotta love Medvedev! The guy is a freaking riot! Love it!
— Jovan (@Jovan333) September 1, 2023
At Wimbledon you don’t see this !!
— simona m (@simybv81) September 1, 2023
meddy vs armstrong crowd always delivers
— KDB (@Kevindeboobie) September 1, 2023
They were standing which you already shouldn’t do during play, on top of that yelling. So yeah probably drunk & not tennis fans as they don’t know the basic etiquette.
— ◥ ◤ Regina (@rubliever97) September 1, 2023
Truth be told why they were allowed to be walking during served ?
— elfisthunter (@elfistthehunter) September 1, 2023
Medvedev vs US Open fans is the greatest tennis rivalry of all time
— jp (@jpcrotc) September 1, 2023
Interesting match….he was really frustrated but he won anyways … and for the fans😂😂😂kisses back on behalf of Danil
— Shafic Noah (@shaficnaoh) September 1, 2023
NY doesn’t deserve the US Open
Awful tennis etiquette every single year https://t.co/G66Ex9ObFE— Kobina Taylor (VIKES CONF LEVEL 7.5) (@kobinaBKtaylor) September 1, 2023
lmaooo late night tennis in NYC is always chaos. https://t.co/LBwlzrcwuw
— Danny Kerr (@_dannykerr) September 1, 2023
Meddy vs the stupidity of NY crowd…here we go again! https://t.co/bwj7fhxEYQ
— Stop the Gaustapo (@atlasdanced) September 1, 2023
Medvedev’s spirited exchange with the spectator undoubtedly added a layer of drama to the match. Whether it was an expression of frustration or an attempt to fire himself up, it’s clear that the Russian star is unafraid to let his emotions show on the grand stage.
Medvedev’s history with the US Open crowd
Just a few days prior to this incident, Daniil Medvedev had made headlines by expressing his appreciation for the US Open crowd, stating, “The crowd is loving me more and more.” This sentiment marked a stark contrast to previous years when he had faced a less enthusiastic reception in Flushing Meadows.
Medvedev’s history with the US Open crowd has been an unpredictable one, marked by memorable incidents where he engaged with spectators in spirited exchanges. From asking the crowd to “shut up” to asking them to boo him more, the Russian has had his fair share of controversy with the New York crowd.
