During the second set of his first‑round match at the US Open, a pair of birds landed on the net and forced a replay of a point, but Russia’s Daniil Medvedev brushed the incident aside and finished with a 6-1 6-3 7-5 victory over American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny.
How the Incident Unfolded
The birds perched on the net midway through a rally, and play continued around them for several strokes before the chair umpire ordered the point replayed. Medvedev, who called the episode one of his “top five” unusual experiences at the New York major, was visibly upset when the decision came after he thought he had won the point with a cross‑court forehand. “This is very bad,” the 2021 champion said, protesting to the umpire.
Medvedev’s Reaction
In a post‑match interview, Medvedev said he “saw [the birds] straight away” and was not happy with the decision, but accepted it as part of the game. He added, “I was not happy with the decision but it is what it is. You can’t do anything with it.” The 30‑year‑old, who already won the first set in 21 minutes, used the incident as a brief distraction before powering through the match.
Gorzny’s Grand Slam Debut
American Sebastian Gorzny, the world No. 731, made his US Open debut after winning the USTA American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoff. He had previously survived a life‑threatening seizure at age 15, with doctors suspecting a mosquito bite‑related brain infection. Gorzny told the ATP that the doctors are still unsure of the exact cause.
What’s Next
Medvedev will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the third round. The match will test whether the Russian can maintain his composure after a bizarre interruption and continue his run at the New York tournament.
