Medvedev Disqualified at China Open After Hitting Spectator with Ball

Medvedev Defaulted in China Open Semi-Final Against Djokovic

Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open after accidentally hitting a spectator in the face with a ball during his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic. The incident happened while Medvedev was trailing Djokovic 7-5, 5-3.

The moment came after Djokovic hit a winner that left Medvedev frustrated. In reaction, Medvedev struck a backhand that sent the ball into the air, which then struck a fan sitting in the front row behind him. The spectator clutched his face and was helped out of the arena while holding his eye.

After consulting with umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official, Medvedev approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic and offered an apology. He said, "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."

Djokovic, who himself was defaulted from the 2020 US Open for a similar incident, expressed sympathy for both the fan and Medvedev. He commented, "It’s a bit of a shock to be honest. I hope that person is not badly injured. 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 a Tennis Default

Defaults in tennis are uncommon and only happen when players break the sport’s code of conduct seriously enough. Violations include ball abuse, physical or verbal abuse, or racquet abuse. Usually, players receive warnings or code violations before a disqualification, but Medvedev’s action warranted an immediate default.

This means he forfeits all points and prize money earned in Beijing up to that stage.

Medvedev’s History of On-Court Incidents

The 30-year-old Russian has a reputation for emotional outbursts during matches. Last year, he was fined nearly £31,500 ($42,500) after losing control at the US Open when a photographer entered the court. Earlier this year, he smashed a racquet after a 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters and faced penalties for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Medvedev told BBC Sport in 2025 that he was working on controlling his emotions. He explained, "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. Sometimes it is good energy. Sometimes it is bad."

Djokovic Advances to China Open Final

The incident ended what had been a thrilling contest between Djokovic and Medvedev. At 39 years old, Djokovic displayed excellent form, saving 16 of the 18 break points he faced. He will now face Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final.

Djokovic boasts a flawless 33-0 record at the China Open, having won the tournament six times. This will be his first final since the Australian Open, where he lost to then world number one Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. Djokovic also reached Wimbledon’s semi-finals before exiting early at the French Open and suffering a first-round loss at the US Open.

Other China Open Highlights

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz battled through inconsistent play to beat Jaume Munar and reach the Japan Open final. The seven-time Grand Slam winner struggled on serve but improved as the match went on to secure a 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 victory.

Alcaraz had led 5-3 in the first set and even served for it but lost 16 straight points to drop the opener. He will face Jiri Lehecka in the final after the Czech defeated Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2.