Daniil Medvedev Disqualified from China Open After Hitting Spectator with Ball

BEIJING (AP) — Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at the China Open on Monday after he accidentally hit a spectator with a ball. The incident occurred as Medvedev, serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3 in Djokovic's favor, struck the ball into the stands in frustration, inadvertently hitting a spectator who was then escorted out with an injury to his left eye.

“I feel terribly sorry for him actually and I just hope he’s OK,” Medvedev stated, expressing his regret and hope to meet the injured fan. After hitting the ball, Medvedev appeared to wave his left hand in an apologetic gesture and remained on the court while tournament officials consulted him. “When I saw the result, I felt horrible,” he added, emphasizing his concern for the spectator’s well-being.

The match was halted immediately, and Medvedev did not contest the disqualification. He approached Djokovic at the net and shook hands before leaving the court. Djokovic, recalling a similar incident from 2020 when he was disqualified for hitting a line judge, expressed shock and sympathy for both the spectator and Medvedev. “I hope that person is not badly injured. On the other hand, I also feel sorry for Daniil, because I know exactly how he feels to be disqualified in a big match,” Djokovic remarked.

Medvedev has faced scrutiny for his on-court behavior in the past, including a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct earlier this year.

Djokovic maintained his flawless career record at the China Open, improving to 33-0, and will face ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in the final after de Minaur advanced due to Hubert Hurkacz’s retirement in the semifinals. This marks Djokovic's second final of the year following his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.

In the women's tournament, Coco Gauff progressed to the next round by defeating 16-year-old Chinese wild card Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1. Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek also moved forward, overcoming Donna Vekic 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2, and Elina Svitolina defeated Maria Sakkari 6-4, 7-5.