NEW YORK — The freelance photographer at the center of the storm that disrupted the US Open men’s semifinal between Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz has spoken out for the first time. In an exclusive interview, the photographer, identified as veteran sports photographer Adam Pretty, expressed his deep regret for the incident that saw him prematurely walk onto the court at match point, sparking a furious meltdown from the Russian star.
The chaotic scene unfolded on Friday night inside a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. With Alcaraz leading 5-2 in the third set and serving for the match at 40-30, Pretty, a Getty Images photographer, left his designated position and walked along the back of the court to reposition himself for the anticipated victory celebration. This movement, occurring before the point had concluded, directly caught Medvedev’s eye during his service return preparation.
A Point of High Tension
Medvedev, known for his fiery on-court persona, immediately stopped play, shouting toward the chair umpire, Aurélie Tourte. He pointed angrily at Pretty, who was already crouched near the backstop. The disruption came at the most critical juncture of the match. Medvedev’s protest escalated into a lengthy and heated argument with the tournament referee, Jake Garner, who was called to the court. The Russian argued that the photographer’s movement was a massive distraction that should result in the point being replayed.
In his first public comments since the incident, Pretty acknowledged his critical error in timing. "I take full responsibility for leaving my position too early," he said. "In the heat of the moment, with a historic match point unfolding, my instinct was to get into the perfect position to capture the championship moment for Carlos. I misjudged the timing egregiously and I understand why Daniil was so upset. It was a mistake I deeply regret."
The Aftermath and Official Ruling
Despite Medvedev’s passionate pleas, officials ruled that the point would stand as played. Since Medvedev had not actually stopped his swing—he had framed a weak return that landed wide—the point was awarded to Alcaraz, sealing his 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory and a place in the final. The decision left Medvedev fuming during his post-match press conference, where he stated, "One minute of the match changed everything... I couldn't serve because I was looking at him."
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) later released a statement addressing the breach of protocol:
"A photographer moved from his assigned position before the point was over. This action was unacceptable and we have reviewed our protocols to ensure this does not happen again. We apologize to both players for the disruption."
Pretty, who has a decades-long career photographing major global sporting events, explained the chain of events from his perspective. He emphasized that there was no malicious intent, only a professional desire to capture a defining shot that ultimately backfired. The key factors that led to the mistake include:
- Anticipation of the Moment: The urge to be perfectly positioned for a Grand Slam-winning point.
- Stadium Acoustics: Difficulty hearing the play in the roar of the crowd.
- Protocol Fatigue: A momentary lapse in the strict discipline required for court-level photographers.
A Photographer's Regret
Pretty expressed particular remorse for the impact the incident had on Medvedev’s concentration and the integrity of the match’s conclusion. "I have the utmost respect for Daniil and all the athletes. My job is to document history, not to become a part of it in a negative way. I’ve replayed that moment in my head a hundred times. I apologize sincerely to Daniil for the distraction during such a crucial point. It was never my intention to interfere with the competition."
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the access and protocols for photographers and media at major tennis tournaments. Players, including Medvedev, have long expressed frustration with behind-the-court distractions. This event is likely to lead to even stricter enforcement of rules and potentially revised positioning for photojournalists during live play at the US Open and other Grand Slams.
Looking Forward: Lessons Learned
Despite the controversy, Pretty stated that he has received support from his colleagues and that he hopes to learn from the experience. He also confirmed that he has not faced any permanent ban from the tournament, though he expects to work under heightened scrutiny in the future. "This was a hard lesson, but one I will never forget. My focus moving forward is on upholding the highest standards of my profession."
For Medvedev, the incident marked a frustrating end to his US Open campaign, though he was gracious in defeat toward Alcaraz. The photographer’s public apology adds a new chapter to the story, highlighting the human error that can sometimes intrude upon the highest levels of professional sport. While the point itself could not be replayed, the hope is that the lessons from the disruption will lead to a smoother and more focused environment for players in matches to come.