'Just awful': Fans rage over 'disgusting' moment in US Open final
Daniil Medvedev’s running battle with the US Open crowd continued in the final, booed as he walked out on court on Sunday.
Preparing to face off against Rafael Nadal in New York, Medvedev quickly realised he wouldn’t have the crowd on his side.
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Boos rang out around Arthur Ashe Stadium as the Russian walked out on court, continuing an ugly trend at Flushing Meadows this past two weeks.
Fans flocked to social media to condemn the US crowd, which hasn’t exactly crowned itself in glory recently.
I know he vibes off it but the crowd booing Medvedev as he comes out is disgusting.
— Bruce Daisley (@brucedaisley) September 8, 2019
Crowd already booing Medvedev. Just awful.
— TAIWO ODUSOTE (@Oladimeji6) September 8, 2019
The New York trash crowd has just done it again, booing Medvedev from the start... Beyond embarrassing. #USOpen
— Mr Foxnose (@asymmetricalpha) September 8, 2019
The #USOpen crowd booing Medvedev is so disappointing
— Sapna (@Sapnas15) September 8, 2019
Meh. I hate the negative energy imbued by booing. But I hope Rafa crushes Medvedev like a bug.
— Nancy (@TheNancer212) September 8, 2019
Medvedev not the favorite but the booing? Rude 😐🎾 US Open Tennis 2019
— Karen Ladd (@Karen_Ladd) September 8, 2019
Whoa... Did #Medvedev get booed when he walked on the court? #USOpen
— Kate Pomeroy (@katepomeroy) September 8, 2019
The poor treatment came despite Medvedev apologising to fans for his actions earlier in the tournament.
The booing started when Medvedev snatched a towel off a ballboy and then flipped the middle finger to the crowd during the tournament’s first week.
He initially embraced the boos and encouraged them, before apologising after his win in the quarter-finals.
“What I've done is not good," he said.
Medvedev has been fined a total of $19,000 so far this tournament.
"So many people support me, but still so many people don't like me," he added.
"I can just say, I try to be myself.
"I have to say sorry guys and thank you."
The young Russian did manage to win over the crowd with his extraordinary comeback in final, which fell agonisingly short.
Nadal edges closer to Federer’s record
Nadal broke down in tears after winning a titanic battle to secure a fourth US Open crown and 19th grand slam men's singles title - edging to within one of Roger Federer's all-time record tally.
Confirming himself as much more than the king of clay, Nadal resisted a fierce fightback from Medevev to end the Russian's breakout run with an epic 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 victory over the fifth seed in Sunday's final.
Only Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors, with five titles each, have reigned more times than Nadal in New York in the 51-year open era.
"That's so important for me. This victory means a lot, especially the way the match became so difficult, so tough," Nadal said.
"I was able to hold the nerves because the nerves were so high. It's been a crazy match.
"It's difficult to speak. I don't know, I'm just emotional. Sorry."
The great Spaniard's four hour and 51 minute victory extended the dominance of tennis's big three of Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic to 12 straight slams.
with agencies
