Daniil Medvedev Disqualified from China Open After Hitting Spectator
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 in the front row.
Medvedev Hits Spectator During Match
The incident occurred while Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3. Following a forehand volley winner from Djokovic, the ball bounced off the advertising boards and back toward Medvedev. Medvedev smacked a backhand that sailed into the stands, striking a spectator in the front row. The spectator was helped out of the arena holding a hand over his left eye. The fan doubled over holding his face and was still holding his eye as staff helped him leave the arena. Medvedev stood on the court watching as the chair umpire, Mohamed Lahyani, and a tournament supervisor came down to talk with him. Medvedev did not put up an argument against the disqualification, walked to the net, and shook hands with Djokovic.
Djokovic and Medvedev React to Disqualification
Djokovic expressed shock over the incident, noting it brought back memories of his own disqualification from the 2020 U.S. Open for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball. “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. … I am sure that Daniil didn’t want to do this intentionally. It just happens.” Medvedev also offered an apology after the match, stating he wanted to get in touch with the spectator to apologize in person.
Djokovic Advances to Second Final of Year
The default ended a grueling contest that stood at the 2-hour, 29-minute mark. With the victory, Djokovic extended his career record at the China Open to 33-0 and advanced to his second final of the year. He will face ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur, who advanced when Hubert Hurkacz retired due to an injury while trailing 6-4, 3-2 in the second set. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina withdrew from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a foot injury following her second-round loss in Beijing.
“Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all. I’m trying to get in touch with him, if he wants it. Hopefully I can apologise in person and see how he feels. I just hope he’s OK. That’s the most important. I just really care about him right now.” — Daniil Medvedev