THE photographer at the centre of Daniil Medvedev’s US Open meltdown claims to have called in a lawyer over the incident.
Medvedev, 29, responded furiously after the snapper, named Selcuk Acar, walked onto court as opponent Benjamin Bonzi was about to strike a second serve on match point.
Due to the outside interference, umpire Greg Allensworth awarded Bonzi a first serve, prompting Medvedev to protest.
The Russian subsequently whipped the crowd into a frenzy, with the match unable to recommence for six minutes as they chanted “second serve”.
When it eventually did, Bonzi missed his first serve anyway – before dumping a backhand into the net to give Medvedev a lifeline.
And the 2021 champion made the most of his reprieve and came roaring back into the contest.
Medvedev stole the third set in a tiebreak before romping to the fourth 6-0 to set up a grandstand finish.
Bonzi managed to compose himself to take the deciding fifth set – with Medvedev viciously smashing his racquet in anger and frustration.
Acar, meanwhile, was kicked out by tournament security, having been told to leave the court by Allensworth.
He subsequently had his tournament accreditation revoked – a move he disagrees with.
Texting the Mail about the controversial incident, freelance photojournalist Acar said: “I’m a victim and totally innocent.
“This incident has already turned into a lynching, and although I’m innocent, I’ve suffered greatly.”
Acar claims to have been told to enter the court by tournament staff, adding: “If there’s a camera there, if it’s monitored, it will show that I returned to the official twice and didn’t enter.”
He then claimed to be exploring his legal options following the furore that followed.
A USTA statement to the Mail alleged regarding the incident: “The photographer had been instructed to stay in place by US Open security.
“The photographer disregarded these instructions and improperly entered the court between serves on match point.
“The Chair Umpire also instructed the photographer to immediately sit down, and these instructions were also disregarded. The photographer’s credential was revoked for the 2025 US Open.”
‘ARE YOU A MAN?’
Medvedev, 29, is now facing a huge fine for his role in inciting the crowd, as well as his conduct towards the umpire.
The Russian raged to Allensworth amid the drama: “Don’t shake, man. Are you a man? Are you a man?
“Don’t shake. Why are you shaking? So, what’s wrong huh? What do you mean nothing wrong?
“And it’s a first serve? Ah, you want to go home? He wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”
Bonzi, who will next face American Marcos Giron, said after the match: “Well, it was a situation, very weird, and then obviously it’s tough to refocus on the game.
“It’s kind of crazy, this match. For me it’s my best victory ever. It’s very special to do it here.
“The rule is the rule. The guy went on the court between two serves. It’s not my call to say first serve. Yes, Daniil started it, and he put oil on the fire.
“He went with the crowd crazy. He went with them. Honestly I never saw that before.
“Have I ever experienced something like that in my career? No, maybe in football stadium, but not in tennis.”
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