Medvedev disqualified from China Open semifinal after ball strikes spectator
In short
Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic in Beijing on Monday after hitting a ball into the stands that struck a spectator in the eye area. Medvedev, who was trailing 7-5, 5-3, said it was “100% an accident” and apologised; Djokovic said he felt sorry for him. The spectator was helped out of the arena holding a hand over his left eye.
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Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic in Beijing on Monday after hitting a ball into the stands that struck a spectator, according to the Associated Press and CNN. The spectator, sitting in the first row, was helped out of the arena holding a hand over his left eye. Medvedev was trailing 7-5, 5-3, with Djokovic serving for the match, when the incident occurred. [ 1 , 3 ]
According to the AP, after a forehand volley winner from Djokovic, the ball bounced off the advertising boards and back toward Medvedev, who struck a backhand that sailed into 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.” He added: “I feel terribly sorry for him actually and I just hope he’s OK. Hopefully I can meet him and make up for it somehow.” [ 1 ]
Djokovic said he was shaken by the scene. “I was shocked, to be honest… I hope that person is not badly injured,” he said, according to CNN. “On the other hand, I also feel sorry for Daniil because I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified in a big match … I’m sure that Daniil didn’t want to do this intentionally.” CNN noted that Djokovic himself was disqualified from the US Open in 2020 under similar circumstances. [ 3 ]
Both semifinals in Beijing ended prematurely, CNN reported. Earlier on Monday, Australian Alex de Minaur was leading 6-4, 3-2 when Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, who had struggled with movement throughout the match, retired with an adductor injury. [ 3 ]
The documents do not give an update on the spectator's condition, state whether Medvedev faces any further sanction, or describe how the tournament was resolved after the two curtailed semifinals. [ 1 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The disqualification ended a marquee semifinal at one of the tour's main Asian events and echoed Djokovic's own default at the 2020 US Open. How the tour handles the incident could set a marker for player conduct toward spectators, though the documents do not state what follow-up, if any, is planned.
Key facts
- Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semifinal against Djokovic on Monday after hitting a ball into the stands. [ 1 , 3 ]
- The ball struck a spectator, who was helped out of the arena holding a hand over his left eye. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Medvedev was trailing 7-5, 5-3 at the time, with Djokovic serving for the match. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Medvedev said it was “100% an accident” and that “I feel terribly sorry for him actually and I just hope he’s OK.” [ 1 ]
- Djokovic said he was shocked and hoped the spectator was not badly injured, adding he felt sorry for Medvedev. [ 3 ]
- The other semifinal also ended early, with Hubert Hurkacz retiring with an adductor injury while trailing Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-2. [ 3 ]
- Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open in 2020 under similar circumstances, according to CNN. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The condition of the spectator after he left the arena. Documents describe him leaving with a hand over his left eye and appear in pain, but no outlet gives a medical update or his identity.
- Whether Medvedev faces any further sanction beyond the disqualification. No document mentions a review, fine or additional penalty.
- The outcome of the tournament after both semifinals ended early. Only CNN notes the second semifinal ended with a retirement, and no document states how the final was resolved.
- Medvedev said the incident was accidental and apologised to the spectator. Reported by a single source so far
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- AP publishes its report on Medvedev's disqualification from the China Open semifinal in Beijing. [ 1 ]
- AP publishes a Spanish-language version of the report. [ 2 ]
- CNN publishes its account, including Djokovic's reaction and the earlier semifinal retirement. [ 3 ]
- Reuters publishes an item on the disqualification. [ 4 ]