Selcuk Acar is a veteran freelance photojournalist who recently sparked chaos at the 2025 US Open after disrupting a match, find out more below
The photojournalist started a frenzy after stepping onto the court during a tense match between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi.
The incident occurred as Bonzi was serving for a win in the third set, with chair umpire Allensworth telling the photographer to get off the court as he interrupted the serve. Bonzi was given another first serve as a result and Medvedev lost his marbles over it.
Who is Selcuk Acar, photographer who disrupted Daniil Medvedev vs Benjamin Bonzi’s 2025 US Open match
Medvedev çıldırdı!
Bonzi maç puanında kullandığı ilk servisi fileye takarken bir fotoğrafçı korttan ayrıldığı için hakem ilk servisin tekrarlanmasını istedi. Medvedev buna çok sinirlendi, maç 5 dakikadan fazla durdu, Meddy taraftarla laf dalaşına girdi. pic.twitter.com/NSLRRZNwGe
— 0-40 (@040tenis) August 25, 2025
The intrusion caused a six-minute delay and a controversial replay of a serve, drawing heated reactions from both players and fans alike.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has stripped the photographer, Selcuk Acar of his accreditation and he was escorted out of the Louis Armstrong Stadium by security during the match.
Selcuk Acar speaks out about US Open match controversy
Freelance photojournalist Selcuk Acar recently caused major chaos after stepping onto the court during the US Open match between Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi. According to Acar, he is a victim of unjust treatment and stated that he did nothing wrong. He clarified how he did not deserve to lose any of his media credentials and explained that a security official told him the match was paused, which was why he entered the court.
Acar has now claimed that an official told him to step onto the court while the action was ongoing.
“I’m a victim and totally innocent,” Acar told the Daily Mail. “This incident has already turned into a lynching, and although I’m innocent, I’ve suffered greatly.
“If there’s a camera there, if it’s monitored, it will show that I returned to the official twice and didn’t enter. I didn’t know and see if Medvedev saw me. I’m not a photojournalist that can [make] such a mistake.”
This Medvedev match has entered the insanity stage… and it’s in large part cuz of this poor photographer. What scenes! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/4qrnT8o5vI
— Paulo Senra (@paulosenra) August 25, 2025
Acar insisted that he is not the type to make such a novice mistake, as he has covered major events like Presidential visits and NATO summits in the past. However, despite his defense, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) revoked his credential. The incident has since become a major talking point in the tennis world.
Selcuk Acar biography
Selcuk Acar is a renowned and seasoned freelance journalist and photographer who specializes in covering significant political and sporting events worldwide. He has a portfolio that includes high-profile assignments like covering NATO summits and FIFA World Cups. Acar has seemingly built a reputation for professionalism and captured moments that blend both art and news. Acar currently lives and works primarily in New York City, where he often works within global diplomacy and major sporting events.
Age
Full video of the Medvedev-Bonzi-umpire-photographer drama that COMPLETELY changed the match.
Gotta feel for… Benjamin. Had to stand for 6 minutes before serving on match point while the stadium turned into a circus. A mess. pic.twitter.com/wkEz3B4K6B
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 25, 2025
The exact details about Selcuk Acar’s age are not publicly disclosed, but Acar is estimated to be in his late 40s to early 50s.
Professional career
Selcuk Acar has had an extensive career in photojournalism and freelance reportage spanning across multiple continents. Over the years, he has worked for prominent media outlets covering political summits, world sports, and cultural events. The recent US Open incident marked a rare controversy in his otherwise respected career. Despite the setback, Acar maintains that he strictly acted on a security official’s instruction and as such, he continues to defend his professionalism and integrity.
