Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Medvedev Advances After Birds Interrupt Bizarre US Open Rally
Daniil Medvedev won his second-round match at the US Open.
He beat Sebastian Gorzny in three sets.
Medvedev played especially well at the start and hit 14 aces.
During the second set, two birds landed on the net while the players were hitting the ball.
One bird flew up when Medvedev hit a forehand.
The umpire stopped the rally and ordered the point to be played again.
Medvedev thought the match should have been stopped earlier and briefly complained.
Gorzny played better in the last set, but Medvedev still won and reached the third round.
Daniil Medvedev defeated American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 in the US Open second round.
The 2021 champion hit 14 aces and dominated the opening two sets.
Two birds landed on the net during a second-set rally, forcing the point to be replayed.
Medvedev briefly argued with the chair umpire, saying play should have stopped sooner.
Gorzny improved in the third set, but Medvedev broke in the 11th game and served out the match.
- Who
- Daniil Medvedev defeated American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny.
- What
- Medvedev won 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the US Open third round.
- When
- Wednesday during the 2026 US Open second round.
- Where
- Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Medvedev advanced by winning three sets, including a decisive break in the 11th game of the third set.
Medvedev's view
Match official's decision
When to stop the rally
Medvedev's view
Medvedev said he expected play to stop as soon as the birds appeared and questioned why the rally continued for about 45 seconds.
Match official's decision
The chair umpire stopped play after one bird flew up following Medvedev's forehand and ordered the point to be replayed.
Reaction to the interruption
Medvedev's view
Medvedev was visibly frustrated and briefly called the chair umpire "crazy" during a later changeover.
Match official's decision
The match continued after the point was replayed, with Medvedev eventually maintaining control and winning in straight sets.
- Match result
- Daniil Medvedev defeated Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.
- Tournament stage
- US Open second round.
- Medvedev's ranking achievement
- He advanced to the US Open third round.
- Aces
- Medvedev hit 14 aces.
- Unusual interruption
- Two birds landed on the net during a rally, and the point was replayed.
- Third-set turning point
- Medvedev broke Gorzny in the 11th game.
- Potential next opponent
- Medvedev will face either Jaume Munar or Arthur Rinderknech.
