By Irom Daniel
In one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 US Open so far, Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi produced a career-defining performance to defeat former world No. 1 and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in a dramatic five-set battle on Tuesday night in New York.
Bonzi, ranked outside the top 50, displayed remarkable composure and resilience, edging Medvedev 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(8) in a marathon contest that lasted over four hours on Court 17.
Medvedev, considered one of the tournament favorites, looked in control early after taking the opening set. But Bonzi refused to back down, breaking late in the second and carrying momentum into the third with fearless shot-making and an aggressive baseline game.
The Russian star fought back in the fourth, forcing a deciding set where tension reached its peak. In a nerve-shredding final-set tiebreak, Bonzi held his ground against Medvedev’s power and experience, converting his second match point to seal the biggest victory of his career.
The Frenchman, visibly emotional after the win, called it “a dream moment” in his post-match interview:
“Daniil is a champion, one of the toughest players to beat. I just tried to stay focused, point by point, and I can’t believe I did it. This is the best win of my life.”
For Medvedev, the loss marks a disappointing early exit from a Grand Slam where he has consistently been a title contender in recent years.
Bonzi now advances to the second round, as he looks to continue his fairy-tale run in Flushing Meadows.
