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Djokovic advanced to the China Open final in dramatic circumstances Monday after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from their semifinal for hitting a ball into the stands and striking a spectator in the front row.
The incident occurred while Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3. After Djokovic hit a forehand volley winner, the ball bounced off advertising boards and returned toward Medvedev. The Russian then struck a backhand that sailed into the crowd, hitting a spectator near the left eye.
The fan was helped out of the arena while holding a hand over the injured area. Medvedev immediately appeared to apologize and later expressed concern for the spectator’s condition.
Djokovic Reaches China Open Final After Explosive Incident
“I feel terribly sorry for him actually and I just hope he’s OK,” Medvedev said after the match. “Hopefully I can meet him and make up for it somehow.”
Medvedev insisted the shot was not intentional. He explained that the ball had bounced back from the advertising boards and that he attempted to hit it away from the court without realizing it would travel toward the front row.
“It was 100% an accident,” Medvedev said. “You can see that I didn’t hit the ball in anger. The ball was bouncing back, so I tried to just hit it anywhere, so it wouldn’t go out of the court.”
The chair umpire and tournament supervisor came onto the court to discuss the incident with Medvedev. The 30-year-old did not appear to strongly challenge the decision and soon walked to the net to shake hands with Djokovic.
A Painful Reminder of Djokovic’s Own Disqualification
The unusual ending immediately recalled Djokovic’s controversial exit from the 2020 US Open. In that match, the Serbian was disqualified after accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball.
Djokovic said he understood the emotional impact of Medvedev’s punishment, particularly because the disqualification came during a major semifinal.
“A bit of a shock, to be honest,” Djokovic said. “I honestly didn’t see what happened. I hope that person is not badly injured. On the other hand, I also feel sorry for Daniil, because I know exactly how he feels to be disqualified in a big match.”
Although the circumstances were unsettling, the result extended Djokovic’s remarkable record at the China Open. He improved to 33-0 in his career at the tournament, continuing an unbeaten run that has made Beijing one of his most successful stops on the tennis calendar.
- Djokovic defeated Medvedev by disqualification in the semifinal.
- The score was 7-5, 5-3 when the incident occurred.
- A spectator was struck in the face and helped from the arena.
- Djokovic extended his China Open record to 33-0.
Djokovic Set to Face Alex de Minaur in the Final
Djokovic will meet ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final. The Australian reached the championship match after Hubert Hurkacz retired during their semifinal.
De Minaur was leading 6-4, 3-2 when Hurkacz stopped playing. The Polish player appeared increasingly limited during the second set and was barely able to run for several balls. The precise nature of his injury was not immediately known.
The final will give Djokovic an opportunity to claim another China Open title and preserve his extraordinary record in Beijing. De Minaur, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on his strong tournament run and challenge one of the sport’s most accomplished players.
The semifinal ending also places renewed attention on player conduct and spectator safety. Tennis players often redirect balls during points or between exchanges, but the incident showed how quickly an apparently routine action can create danger in a crowded stadium.
Medvedev’s apology and Djokovic’s sympathetic response helped bring a human element to a difficult moment. Still, the disqualification reflected the strict rules governing conduct at professional tournaments, regardless of whether contact with a spectator is intentional.
What Happens Next at the China Open?
Djokovic will now prepare for the final against de Minaur, while tournament officials will continue to monitor the condition of the spectator involved. Medvedev’s tournament ended abruptly, despite being within reach of a place in the championship match.
As reported by ESPN News Services, information from The Associated Press also contributed to the account of the incident. The final is expected to draw significant attention because of Djokovic’s perfect Beijing record and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his semifinal victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Daniil Medvedev disqualified?
Medvedev was disqualified after hitting a ball into the stands during his semifinal against Djokovic. The ball struck a spectator in the front row.
What was the score when the incident happened?
Djokovic was serving for the match with a 7-5, 5-3 lead when Medvedev hit the ball into the crowd.
What is Djokovic’s China Open record?
Djokovic improved his career record at the China Open to 33-0 following Medvedev’s disqualification.
Who will Djokovic face in the final?
Djokovic will face ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s China Open final. De Minaur advanced after Hubert Hurkacz retired with an apparent injury.
