Sabalenka, Djokovic win before Medvedev tirade sparks chaos

Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic overcame early tests to reach the US Open second round before the Grand Slam descended into chaos late on Sunday when Daniil Medvedev launched a tirade at the match umpire and fans disrupted his opponent's service game.

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New York's famously rowdy fans caused a six-minute delay by refusing to stop jeering and booing midway through Medvedev’s 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 defeat by Benjamin Bonzi at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The controversy began when a photographer entered the court prematurely after Bonzi missed his first serve on match point at 5-4 in the third set, prompting chair umpire Greg Allensworth to award the Frenchman another first serve for the disturbance.

An incensed Medvedev exploded at the official and whipped up the crowd, preventing a rattled Bonzi from serving.

Medvedev, the 2021 champion at Flushing Meadows, fought off the match point and took the set in a tie break.

It was not to be his day, however, as Bonzi composed himself to secure a dramatic win.

"The energy was wild. Thanks to all the ones booing. Thanks for the energy in the fifth," the Frenchman said.

"It was a crazy match point in the third. A crazy scenario. I was exhausted in the fourth set. I gave what I had in the final set. That's a crazy win."