Leandro Riedi’s dramatic U.S. Open comeback was tempered by a betting-backed distraction in the stands as the 23-year-old Swiss qualifier edged past Francisco Cerundolo to reach the third round on Court 5.
Riedi, ranked 435rd, trailed early and was visibly frustrated when a loud spectator in the crowd, repeatedly cheering and coaching in Swiss German, drew his ire. After missing a forehand on break point in the fourth set, the Swiss fired back at the fan, shouting, “Man, shut up!” He then signaled toward the chair umpire for help.
The fan had been a constant presence, loudly urging Riedi throughout the match and in his first-round bout. Riedi later explained that he believes the man is a gambler who bets on his matches and texts him if he loses. “He’s just betting for me,” Riedi said. “If I lose, he will text me. He’s one of these guys.” Umpire Scotty Moore intervened by phone, and the disrupter left Court 5 on his own before any formal ejection.
After the match, Riedi spoke with Bounces about how he can tell when a spectator in attendance has financial skin in the outcome. “You can definitely see it immediately,” he said. He noted that bettors often monitor phones during breaks and may dress in a way that signals betting familiarity—trainers, caps, sunglasses—and that the behavior is more common among male spectators. Riedi also recalled that this particular bettor had been active since the first round.
The distraction didn’t derail Riedi, who rallied from a two-set deficit to upset 19th-seeded Cerundolo 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. The victory marked a watershed moment in his career after two knee surgeries over the past year. The win also brought a significant payday: $237,000 for reaching the third round, nearly half of his career prize money to date.
Beyond Riedi’s match, the growing presence of betting in tennis stadiums is drawing attention from players and commentators alike. Several players publicly discussed how wagering can shape fan behavior and match atmosphere.
Kamil Majchrzak, who beat Karen Khachanov to reach the third round, said he has encountered bettors on multiple occasions and sometimes asks the chair umpire to intervene or even tells fans to quiet down. “I’ve experienced that a couple of times on my matches,” Majchrzak said. He recalled a Madrid Challenger where a wildcarded Spaniard faced a foreign opponent and found the crowd supporting the other player because of betting dynamics—an experience that underscored the fine line between engagement and disruption.
Former players and current broadcasters also weighed in. Sam Querrey noted the presence of highly animated bettors in front rows, questioning their motives while acknowledging that a full crowd is good for the game. Alexander Bublik suggested that as long as betting draws fans without turning into on-court harassment, it could be acceptable, emphasizing that the overall goal is to fill stands.
The piece also touches on notable past examples where gambling influenced crowd behavior: at the Cincinnati Open, two men taunting Jordan Thompson and wagering on Humbert drew attention; at Indian Wells in 2021, Scott Seiver allegedly taunted Alexander Zverev from the front row and claimed a significant gambling payout on the match’s outcome.
The broader takeaway is that betting is reshaping the spectator experience at tennis events as mobile and legal wagering expands. While this can boost attendance and engagement, players and organizers are increasingly balancing the excitement with safeguards to prevent harassment and manipulation.
A hopeful note is that players like Riedi continue to demonstrate resilience and focus in the face of pressure, turning moments of distraction into opportunities to showcase depth and determination. The ongoing discussion among players, commentators, and organizers could lead to clearer rules and better on-site protocols to preserve fair play while maintaining a vibrant, engaged audience.
Summary in brief: Leandro Riedi fought through a hostile, betting-focused distraction to win a key U.S. Open match, highlighting a growing trend of gambling-influenced energy in tennis crowds. The incident underscores the sport’s evolving dynamics as fans, players, and organizers navigate the balance between lively engagement and fair play.