France’s Benjamin Bonzi defeated former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in a first-round upset at Wimbledon on Monday. Medvedev reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in the last two years, but world number 64 Bonzi ended the Russian’s quest for another deep run at the All England Club.
Bonzi defeated ninth-seeded Medvedev 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in three hours and seven minutes in hot conditions on Court Two. This was the first time in seven visits to Wimbledon that Medvedev failed to get beyond the first round. Medvedev, a six-time Grand Slam finalist, has had a disastrous year at the majors, losing second round at the Australian Open and first round at the French Open before his Wimbledon disaster.
Major Setback in a Disappointing Season for Daniil Medvedev
The 29-year-old, a winner of the US Open in 2021, beat top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year and then fell short against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semis.
This season, however, has painted a very different picture for the Russian. With early exits at all three Grand Slam tournaments so far, Medvedev’s form and rhythm on the biggest stages have come under serious scrutiny. His lack of consistency has raised questions about whether his 2021 peak can be replicated.
The loss also comes as a blow to his chances of improving his ranking or gaining momentum ahead of the US hard-court season. For a player of Medvedev’s calibre, such results are far from expectations.
Bonzi Celebrates Career-Defining Moment
“This is my first top-10 win at a Slam. Obviously, it is always special at this tournament,” Bonzi said.
“I love this place, so it’s very special and Daniil is a great player. He has reached two semi-finals here.
“I knew it was a tough match, but sometimes it is better to play this kind of player in the first round. Anything can happen, so I’m very happy with the win.”