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'Disgusting': Outrage over tennis star's 'obscene' act at US Open

andrew reid

Daniil Medvdev has been booed and widely condemned by fans over an obscene gesture in his fiery US Open win over Feliciano Lopez.

The 23-year-old Russian became public enemy No.1 during his third round clash with Lopez in New York on Friday night.

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Fifth seed Medvedev erupted after a crucial call went against him in the opening set.

At 5-5, the Russian was clearly incensed as he snatched at the towel the ball boy was holding out, before throwing it on the ground.

Daniil Medvedev, pictured here arguing with the chair umpire at the US Open.
Daniil Medvedev argues with the chair umpire. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Medvedev was hit with a code violation for the incident with the ball boy but was lucky to escape a point penalty after also lashing out at the umpire and the crowd, who had begun booing his antics.

The 23-year-old pointed his finger angrily at the chair umpire, furiously arguing his case.

He then earned the wrath of the entire crowd after walking back to his end of the court, gesturing with his rude finger up to his face.

Daniil Medvedev, pictured here making his crude gesture.
Daniil Medvedev's crude gesture. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Medvevdev managed to calm himself down before winning the first set tiebreak but he was roundly condemned by angry fans, with some labelling his actions ‘obscene’ and ‘disgusting’.

Medvedev went on to win the match 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, but the crowd was not pleased.

And then Medvedev decided to have a little fun with them, waving his arms at the crowd to egg them on then giving a truly surreal interview.

“Thank you all guys, because your energy tonight give me the win,” Medvedev said.

“Because if you were not here guys, I would probably lose the match because I was so tired. I was cramping yesterday. It was so tough for me to play.

“So I want all of you to know that when you sleep tonight, I won because of you.

“The energy you’re giving me right now guys, I think it will be enough for my next five matches.

“The more you do this, the more I will win. For your guys. Thank you!”

Two career firsts for Aussie in massive upset win

Earlier, Aussie Alex de Minaur claimed the biggest scalp of his career to surge into the US Open fourth round.

De Minaur wowed fans on The Grandstand with a 6-2 6-4 2-6 6-3 triumph over seventh-seeded former Open runner-up Kei Nishikori on Friday that rocketed the 20-year-old livewire into the second week of a grand slam for the first time.

The pulsating victory - his first over a top-10 rival - leaves de Minaur one win away from a potential quarter-final showdown with Roger Federer.

But he's keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of a last-16 match-up on Sunday with former world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov, a 7-5 7-6 (10-8) 6-2 winner over Polish qualifying lucky loser Kamil Majchrzak.

"It's just another day. Nothing changes. My mentality going in is going to be the same," said de Minaur, claiming he had no idea Federer was looming in his path.

"You know, I'm just happy to be here. There's not much to complain about. I'm in New York, playing the US Open, some great weather, and playing some great tennis.

"Hopefully I can just keep it rolling. I'll take it as a big opportunity, as I did for this match. This is where I want to be, so I'll go out there and leave 100 per cent. Nothing changes."