China Open: Medvedev disqualified after hitting spectator with ball in semifinals

06 Oct 2026, 08:08 by Vaishnavi Verma · KalingaTV

Beijing: Daniil Medvedev was disqualified after hitting a spectator with a ball in the China Open semifinals against Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic was up 7-5, 5-3 and on his serve when the incident took place. A ball soared in Djokovic’s direction off of Medvedev’s racquet and hit a fan in the front row of the stands, who was helped out by arena staff.

Medvedev did not question the umpire’s decision and later said he was sorry, the incident was an accident and “I just wanted to apologise to the spectator in person”.

Djokovic was hit with a punishment at the 2020 US Open after a ball he played hit a line judge. He said he has compassion for both the fan he hit and Medvedev.The result sent Djokovic into the China Open final, where he will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Djokovic also extended his unbeaten China Open record to 33 victories.

Meanwhile, de Minaur reached the final after Hubert Hurkacz retired with an injury while trailing 6-4, 3-2 in their semifinal.

China Open: Medvedev disqualified after hitting spectator with ball in semifinals

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