Two Sparrows Stop Medvedev From Finishing a Winning Point at the US Open

^{Daniil Medvedev, Russian tennis player}

Two sparrows led to a controversial replay of a point during Daniil Medvedev’s second-round US Open match against American Sebastian Gorzny.

The unusual incident occurred in the second set with Medvedev leading 4-1. During the rally, the sparrows landed on the top of the net, but chair umpire Timo Janzen did not stop play immediately, and the players continued exchanging shots.

Shortly afterward, Medvedev hit a forehand into the corner of the court, after which one of the birds flew away. The umpire then stopped play and ordered the point to be replayed. The Russian was furious and called the decision the most ridiculous he had ever seen in his career.

After the match, Medvedev explained his reaction. According to TNT Sports, he noticed the birds right away and expected the umpire to stop the rally. However, play continued, and the official only intervened after a shot that Medvedev believed had won him the point.

Medvedev estimated that the players continued the rally for around 45 seconds after the birds appeared. He added that he was unhappy with the decision but that it could no longer be changed.

The incident did not affect the outcome of the match. Medvedev defeated Gorzny in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 7-5, to reach the third round of the US Open.