Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at the China Open after hitting a ball into the stands that struck a spectator on Monday. The incident occurred while Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3. The spectator was assisted out of the arena while holding a hand over his left eye.
After a forehand volley winner from Djokovic, the ball bounced off the advertising boards and back towards Medvedev, who then hit a backhand that went into the stands. The chair umpire and tournament supervisor approached Medvedev, who did not contest the disqualification. He subsequently shook hands with Djokovic.
Djokovic commented on the incident, expressing concern for the spectator and sympathy for Medvedev, stating, "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. I am sure that Daniil didn’t want to do this intentionally. It just happens."
Medvedev has faced disciplinary issues in the past, including a fine of 6,000 euros ($7,000) for unsportsmanlike conduct earlier this year. Djokovic, who improved his career record at the China Open to 33-0, is set to face ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in the final after de Minaur advanced due to Hubert Hurkacz's retirement from their semifinal match.
Djokovic's ranking has fallen to No. 11, marking the first time in eight years he has played a tournament outside the top 10. This tournament follows his first-round exit from the US Open. In the match against Medvedev, Djokovic faced time violations but still managed to win crucial points. The match lasted 2 hours and 29 minutes before Medvedev's disqualification.
In women's tournament news, Iga Swiatek won her third-round match against Donna Vekic and will face Iva Jovic next. Elina Svitolina also advanced by defeating Maria Sakkari. Coco Gauff was competing against 16-year-old Sun Xinran, while US Open champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a foot injury after losing her first match as the No. 1 ranked player.