Djokovic reaches China Open final after Medvedev disqualification, says tenisportal.cz

Novak Djokovič advanced to the China Open final in Beijing on October 5, 2026, after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified while trailing 5:7, 3:5 in the second set, tenisportal.cz reported. The sudden default cut short a demanding two-and-a-half-hour semifinal battle, sending Djokovič through to face Alex de Minaur for his seventh title at the venue.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Djokovič secured his 33rd career match win in Beijing, tying Monika Seleš’s all-time tournament record set at the Australian Open.
• The semifinal concluded via default after Medvedev struck a spectator with a ball following a lost point at 15-15 in the final game.
• Djokovič advanced to face Alex de Minaur, who reached the final following a retirement by Hubert Hurkacz zřejmě kvůli vyčerpání.

Physical Strain and Long Rallies Define the Semifinal

The semifinal clash followed a brutal three-hour quarterfinal victory over Alexander Zverev on October 4, 2026, where Djokovič had to overcome a set deficit, according to tenisportal.cz reporting. Facing Medvedev 24 hours later, the 39-year-old Serb endured another gruelling encounter characterized by extensive baseline exchanges and demanding physical exertion.

The opening set alone spanned 79 minutes. Djokovič faved three break points in the opening game before Medvedev secured a break in the fifth. Djokovič immediately broke back, eventually claiming the first set 7:5 after tightening his service and return execution.

Shoulder Treatment Precedes the Final Game

Both players struggled to hold serve through the second set. Djoković survived six break points in the third game and managed a second-serve requirement in the fifth after a time-violation penalty. He broke Medvedev in the sixth game to lead 4:2, prompting the Russian player to take a medical timeout for shoulder discomfort, as reported by tenisportal.cz. Medvedev instantly recovered the break with a backhand winner down the line, but subsequently dropped four consecutive points to trail 3:5.

Vietnam.vn noted that Medvedev lost emotional control during the final game. At 15-15, following a lost point, Medvedev hit a ball away in frustration that struck a spectator in the stands, leading the chair umpire to default the Russian player.

Djokovič Matches Record After Unusual Match Conclusion

Djokovič acknowledged the unusual conclusion, referencing his own default at the 2020 US Open when he inadvertently struck a line judge with a ball. Jsem trochu v šoku. Je mi líto toho diváka, snad není zraněný. Je mi líto i Daniila, protože moc dobře vím, jaké to je být za toto diskvalifikován, Djokovič stated in his post-match remarks, as recorded by tenisportal.cz. Livesport.cz confirmed that the match ended at 7:5, 3:5.

With the victory, Djokovič matched Monika Seleš’s record of 33 match wins at a single event. He will meet Alex de Minaur in the final, who advanced after Hubert Hurkacz retired at 4:6, 2:3 zřejmě kvůli vyčerpání.