Daniil Medvedev’s campaign at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships shockingly collapsed in the first round. The Russian, for the most part of his maiden competitive outing at SW19 this year, was outplayed and outfought by Benjamin Bonzi. Medvedev’s frustrations boiled over during the match, as he took a swipe at Bonzi in French. Later, the Russian laid bare his surprise at his opponent’s emphatic performance.
The former No. 1 and 2021 US Open champion, at four set points down in the first-set tiebreak, was captured on camera thinking out loud. Questioning his French opponent’s near-perfect performance on the day, a rather sarcastic Medvedev asked:
“Why not play like this every day, win millions, be rich? No, he (Bonzi) decides to do it once a year” (translated from French)
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Later, following the Frenchman's 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 win over Daniil Medvedev, the Russian raised concerns about his recent form. He also cited his runner-up finish at the recently-concluded Terra Wortmann Open in Halle as an exception. The ATP No. 9 criticized the playing conditions at SW19 as well.
"I would be very worried if not for the Halle tournament, where I played well and managed to be in the final, playing a great level. That why I can compare today’s match to this tournament. I feel like I didn’t play much worse. Court is a bit different. Tiny bit slower with the heat also," Medvedev said.
The two-time Wimbledon semifinalist went on to express his surprise at his opponent Benjamin Bonzi's performance, saying:
"But every shot I played today, even good shots, he had an answer. I was supposed to play him or Halys in Halle. I watched the match. He couldn’t play two balls in the court. Not two in a row. I was surprised. I was like, ‘it’ll be tough against Quentin.’ I played good. I won. Today he barely missed. A little on the forehand. The backhand I remember maybe 3 unforced errors."
Daniil Medvedev wishes Wimbledon first-round conqueror the best; wonders what Benjamin Bonzi can do against American ATP star if pair ends up clashing at SW19
Continuing to elaborate during his post-match presser, Daniil Medvedev wished for the best in terms of Benjamin Bonzi's Wimbledon campaign. The Russian also envisioned a potential meeting between the Frenchman and ATP No. 5 Taylor Fritz at a deeper stage of the grass Major. Fritz is a two-time quarterfinalist at SW19, having reached the last eight of the tournament in 2022 and 2024.
"I wish him to play like this. I saw the draw. If he plays how he did today, he’s definitely in the 4th round. Then it’s Fritz. Then it’s tougher. But I would not be surprised if he doesn’t play like this," Medvedev said.
Medvedev hasn't won a title since his surprise claycourt success at the 2023 Italian Open. Meanwhile, Bonzi, after securing progress to the second round of the grass Major, will face Jordan Thompson next.
