Medvedev Disqualified at China Open After Ball Hits Spectator
During the China Open semi-final, Daniil Medvedev was disqualified after unintentionally striking a spectator in the face with a ball. The incident occurred while trailing Novak Djokovic 7-5, 5-3. After Djokovic hit a winner, Medvedev, frustrated, swiped at a ball that bounced behind him. The ball flew into the front-row crowd, hitting a fan who immediately clutched his eye and doubled over in pain.
The injured spectator was assisted out of the arena, still holding his face. After consulting with umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official, Medvedev approached Djokovic to shake hands and expressed regret over the incident.
"Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all," Medvedev said. "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."
Novak Djokovic, who was himself defaulted from the 2020 US Open under similar circumstances, showed sympathy for both the fan and Medvedev.
"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'm sure that Daniil did not want to do this intentionally."
Understanding Defaults in Tennis
Defaults happen rarely in tennis and occur when players break the sport’s code of conduct, such as through ball abuse, physical or verbal abuse, or racquet abuse. Normally, players receive up to three code violations before disqualification, but Medvedev's action led to an immediate default due to its seriousness. As a result, he forfeited all points and prize money earned during his run to the semi-finals in Beijing.
Medvedev, aged 30, has a reputation for emotional on-court behavior. Last year, he faced a meltdown at the US Open when a photographer stepped onto the court, resulting in a fine of nearly £31,500 ($42,500). In April, after a 6-0, 6-0 loss at the Monte Carlo Masters, he smashed a racquet and was fined again for unsportsmanlike conduct.
He told BBC Sport in 2025 that controlling his emotions remains a work in progress.
"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," Medvedev explained. "Sometimes it is a good energy. Sometimes it is a bad one."
Match Overview and Djokovic’s Performance
The default cut short what had been a compelling contest. Djokovic, now 39, played impressively, saving 16 of 18 break points. He will face Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final.
- Djokovic’s China Open Record: 33-0
- Titles Won: Six
- Recent Form: First final since Australian Open where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz; Wimbledon semi-finalist; third round exit at French Open; first-round exit at US Open
Other Highlights from Asian Tournaments
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame shaky form to reach the Japan Open final, defeating Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Despite serving struggles and losing 16 consecutive points in the opening set after leading 5-3 and serving for it, Alcaraz rallied strongly.
He will meet Jiri Lehecka in the final after the Czech player beat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2.
