Medvedev Disqualified From China Open Semi After Ball Hits Spectator
Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic in Beijing on Monday after striking a ball into the crowd that hit a spectator in the eye. Djokovic led 7-5, 5-3 when the match came to an abrupt end at the Diamond Court.
The spectator, seated in the first row, clutched his left eye and appeared to be in pain as stadium staff helped him out of the gallery. Tournament organisers later said he had been taken to hospital.
How the Medvedev disqualified incident unfolded
World No. 5 Medvedev had just lost a point late in the second set when he hit the rebounding ball off the wall and into the stands. The ball struck the spectator, and after a discussion between the chair umpire and the tournament director, Medvedev was defaulted. He offered no protest and left the court as the fan was escorted away, reportedly for medical treatment.
It was a cruel end to a high-quality contest. Djokovic had recovered from a break down to take the opening set, then broke twice in the second and was serving for the match when play was stopped. The semi-final had lasted almost two and a half hours, with Djokovic saving 16 of the 18 break points he faced.
Speaking on court afterwards, Djokovic admitted he had not seen the incident. “It is a bit of a shock, to be honest. I am sorry for the person. I didn’t see what happened. I hope the person is not badly injured,” he said. “I feel sorry for Daniil as I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified in a big match. I’m sure he didn’t want to do this intentionally.”
Djokovic reaches a seventh Beijing final
The win extends Djokovic’s remarkable record at the China Open to 33-0 and sends him into a seventh final at the event. The 39-year-old Serbian won the tournament six times in seven years between 2009 and 2015 but had not returned to Beijing until this campaign.
He will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final, chasing a 102nd career title and his first since the Hellenic Championship nearly a year ago. De Minaur reached the title match earlier in the day after Hubert Hurkacz retired injured while trailing 6-4, 3-2 in the first semi-final.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, arrived in Beijing short of form and fitness after a difficult season, but his run has carried him back into the world’s top 10. A day earlier he had beaten world No. 2 Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-final.
What the default costs Medvedev
Medvedev will lose all ranking points and prize money earned from the event. The default is the latest flashpoint in a turbulent season for the 30-year-old, who had arrived in Beijing in strong form after winning the Hangzhou Open. Rules on ball abuse are strict: any ball struck recklessly that injures a spectator, official or fellow player can end a match on the spot.
Why was Medvedev disqualified at the China Open?
Medvedev was defaulted after hitting a rebounding ball into the crowd during his semi-final against Novak Djokovic, striking a spectator in the eye. The umpire and tournament director ruled the act reckless, which carries an automatic disqualification.
Who does Djokovic play in the China Open final?
Novak Djokovic faces Australia’s Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final in Beijing. De Minaur advanced when Hubert Hurkacz retired injured in the first semi-final.
Has Djokovic been defaulted before?
Yes. Djokovic was disqualified from the 2020 US Open after accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball, an incident he referenced when expressing sympathy for Medvedev on court in Beijing.
