Medvedev Disqualified at China Open After Hitting Spectator with Ball

Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic after accidentally hitting a spectator in the face with a ball. The incident occurred when Medvedev, trailing 7-5, 5-3, reacted in frustration after Djokovic hit a winner.

The ball bounced off the court, and Medvedev struck it mid-air with his backhand. Unfortunately, the ball struck a fan seated in the front row behind him. The spectator clutched his face and was assisted out of the arena while holding his eye.

Following consultation with umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official, Medvedev approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic. He expressed deep regret, saying, "Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all. I'm trying to get in touch with him, if he wants it. Hopefully I can apologise in person and see how he feels. I just hope he's OK. That's the most important. I just really care about him right now."

"It's a bit of a shock to be honest. I hope that person is not badly injured," Djokovic commented. "I also feel sorry for Daniil. I know exactly how he feels to be disqualified in a big match. I am sure that Daniil did not want to do this intentionally."

Understanding Defaults in Tennis

Defaults in tennis happen rarely and are enforced when players breach the sport's code of conduct. This includes violations like ball abuse, physical or verbal abuse, or racquet abuse. Usually, a player can receive up to three code violations before being defaulted on a fourth. Medvedev's action was deemed serious enough to lead to an immediate default.

As a result, Medvedev will lose all points and prize money earned during his run to the semi-finals in Beijing. The 30-year-old Russian has had challenges controlling his emotions on court before, including a meltdown at last year's US Open when a photographer entered the court, resulting in a fine of nearly £31,500 ($42,500). Earlier this year, he smashed a racquet after a heavy loss at the Monte Carlo Masters and was fined again for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Back in 2025, Medvedev told BBC Sport he was working on managing his on-court behaviour. "When I'm on the court I hate to lose; I love to win. My first goal is to win the match, so it brings a lot of adrenaline out and it brings all the energy out," he said. "Sometimes it is a good energy. Sometimes it is a bad one."

Djokovic Advances to Final

The match ended prematurely despite an impressive performance from 39-year-old Djokovic, who faced an opponent nine years younger. Djokovic saved 16 of the 18 break points he encountered and will face Alex de Minaur in Tuesday's final.

Novak Djokovic boasts an unbeaten 33-0 record at the China Open, having won the title six times. While he has secured at least one title annually since 2006, Tuesday marks his first final appearance since the Australian Open, where he lost to then world number one Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. Djokovic also reached Wimbledon semi-finals, falling to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, but suffered earlier exits in the French Open and US Open.

Other Tournament Highlights

• Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, overcame a shaky start to defeat Jaume Munar and reach the Japan Open final.
• Alcaraz struggled with his serve but improved steadily to win 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.
• He lost 16 straight points late in the first set after leading 5-3 and serving for the set.
• In the final, Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka, who beat Monaco's Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2.