Medvedev stunned by Benjamin Bonzi in Wimbledon first round
The Russian suffered a shock 7-6 (2), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2 loss to Bonzi in a second consecutive first-round exit at a Grand Slam
Daniil Medvedev, Wimbledon, 2025 © Chryslène Caillaud / Psnewz
Daniil Medvedev suffered another shock first-round defeat at a Grand Slam, falling to Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 7-6 (2), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2 on Wimbledon‘s opening day of play.
It is the Russian’s second exit at the first hurdle of a major, having also been stunned by Cameron Norrie in the first round of Roland-Garros last month.
Today’s defeat marks an unhappy statistic for Medvedev, whose has lost three consecutive Men’s Singles matches at Grand Slam events for the first time in his career, and he will drop out of the top 10 as a result.
“It’s tough, I mean, sad. I felt like I didn’t play too bad. I don’t see much I could do better,” he said after the match.
“I was surprised by his level. I know that he can play well. I would be surprised if you find a match of him playing like this any other time this year. I’m surprised he did today. But it can happen. That’s when sensations happen.”
passive approach in tiebreaks hurts medvedev
On the warmest opening day in Wimbledon history, a sluggish and passive Medvedev appeared to wilt in the difficult conditions as he was unable to take the initiative in the most significant moments.
The former world No 1 and two-time semi-finalist at SW19 opted to remain deep behind the baseline throughout both tiebreaks, choosing to rely upon his trademark method of drawing his opponents into attritional, lengthy exchanges to best utilise his immense defensive skills.
It was a tactic that did not work today. In hindsight, Medvedev will likely rue his aversion to a higher-risk, higher-reward approach on return in those crucial tiebreaks.
Twelve double-faults also harmed his ability to hold serve, as a disappointing 2025 Grand Slam campaign continues for the Russian.
This loss will be particularly difficult after Medvedev’s grass-court form had looked so promising in the build-up to Wimbledon, having reached the final of Halle playing some highly impressive tennis.
Bonzi was good value for his run, though, taking care of his own service games nicely and not allowing the weight of a big potential upset to disrupt his focus in the final set.
“This is special for me today. It is my first top-10 win at a slam and it is always special at this tournament. I love this place,” said Bonzi.
“Daniil is a great player. I knew it was a tough match but sometimes it is better to play those players in the first round, when anything can happen.”
The Frenchman ends a six-match losing streak on grass and will go on to face Australian Jordan Thompson in the second round.
