Medvedev Defaulted from China Open After Hitting Spectator
Russian player struck a fan with a ball during semi-final match against Novak Djokovic.
Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from the China Open semi-final on Saturday after hitting a spectator in the face with a ball during his match against Novak Djokovic.
The incident occurred when Medvedev, the third seed, trailed Djokovic 7-5, 5-3. After Djokovic hit a winner, the ball ricocheted off the back of the court. In frustration, Medvedev swiped at a backhand, sending the ball airborne into the stands, where it struck a front-row spectator.
The fan appeared to be in pain, doubling over and holding their face as they were assisted out of the arena. Following a discussion with the umpire and an ATP official, Medvedev approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic.
Djokovic, who himself was defaulted from the 2020 US Open for a similar incident, expressed sympathy for the fan and Medvedev. "It's a bit of a shock to be honest. I hope that person is not badly injured," Djokovic said. "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."
As a result of the default, Medvedev will forfeit the points and prize money earned during his run to the semi-finals in Beijing. Medvedev, 30, has a history of struggling to control his emotions on court. He has previously been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, including an incident at last year's US Open involving a photographer and a fine for destroying a racquet at the Monte Carlo Masters.
In a 2025 interview with BBC Sport, Medvedev acknowledged his on-court behavior. "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," he said. "Sometimes it is a good energy. Sometimes it is a bad one."