Daniil Medvedev Disqualified from China Open After Hitting Fan with Ball
The Russian player was defaulted from his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic after striking a spectator in the eye.
Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semifinal match against Novak Djokovic on Monday after hitting a ball into the stands that struck a spectator in the front row. The incident occurred while Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3.
The spectator was seen leaving the arena with a hand over their left eye. The disqualification drew parallels to Novak Djokovic's own default from the 2020 U.S. Open, where he accidentally hit a line judge in the throat with a ball.
"I’m in a bit of shock. I feel sorry for the person, hope they’re not injured," Djokovic stated, according to Kalshi Tennis. "I also feel for Daniil because I know exactly what it feels like to be disqualified for this. I was defaulted at the 2020 U.S. Open. I was three points from the win, an incredible battle today."
Djokovic will advance to the China Open final with a perfect career record of 33-0 at the tournament. He is scheduled to face Alex de Minaur, who secured his spot in the final after Hubert Hurkacz retired due to an apparent injury during their semifinal match.
In the women's tournament, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the next round by defeating Donna Vekic in a three-set match. Swiatek will play Iva Jovic in her upcoming match. Elina Svitolina also won her match against Maria Sakkari, and Coco Gauff was set to play 16-year-old Sun Xinran.