Daniil Medvedev Disqualified from China Open After Striking Spectator with Ball

Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at the China Open after hitting a ball into the stands that struck a spectator in the front row on Monday. The spectator, holding a hand over his left eye, was assisted out of the arena.

The incident occurred while Novak Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3 in apparent frustration from Daniil Medvedev. After a forehand volley winner from Novak Djokovic, the ball bounced off the advertising boards toward Daniil Medvedev, who smacked a backhand that sailed into the stands. Officials and tournament supervisors intervened, and Daniil Medvedev accepted the disqualification before shaking hands with Novak Djokovic.

Reflecting on the incident, Novak Djokovic noted the similarity to his own disqualification from the 2020 US Open, expressing hope that the injured person is okay while sympathizing with Daniil Medvedev. Daniil Medvedev has a prior history of on-court behavior issues, including a recent fine at the Monte Carlo Masters.

With the win, Novak Djokovic extended his career record at the China Open to 33-0 and will face ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in the final. Alex de Minaur advanced after Hubert Hurkacz retired due to an injury midway through the second set. In other tournament news, Iga Swiatek, Elina Svitolina, and Alina Charaeva secured notable victories, while Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to a foot injury.