Medvedev disqualified for hitting spectator with ball

Medvedev Disqualified After Hitting Spectator With Ball in China Open Semi-Final

Daniil Medvedev’s China Open campaign ended in controversy on Monday as the third-seeded Russian was defaulted from his semi-final against Novak Djokovic after accidentally striking a spectator with a tennis ball. The incident, which unfolded during a tightly contested match, saw Djokovic advance to his 146th career final with a 7-5, 5-3 victory, while Medvedev faced immediate backlash for his on-court actions.

The incident occurred in the second set, with Djokovic leading 7-5, 5-3 and serving at 15-15. After winning a point with a forehand volley, Djokovic’s ball ricocheted off the advertising boards behind him, bouncing toward Medvedev. In frustration, the Russian swiped at the ball with a backhand, sending it into the stands behind the court. The ball struck a spectator in the front row, who was seen clutching his face and later escorted from the arena by medical staff.

Following a brief discussion with chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official, Medvedev was disqualified. The decision was made without further delay, bringing an abrupt end to a match that had been described as a "gruelling battle" by Djokovic. The 39-year-old Serb, who was defaulted from the 2020 US Open for a similar incident, expressed sympathy for both the spectator and his opponent.

Medvedev Apologizes, Djokovic Expresses Sympathy

After the disqualification, Medvedev approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic, offering a public apology. "Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all," Medvedev said. "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."

The Russian emphasized that the incident was an accident, stating, "It was 100 per cent accident. You can see I didn't hit the ball in anger. I do a lot of bad things, but usually ball abuse is not my thing." Medvedev also reiterated his intention to contact the injured fan directly, though no details about the spectator’s condition were released beyond reports that he was taken to a hospital.

Djokovic, who extended his perfect 33-0 record at the China Open, echoed similar sentiments. "It is a bit of a shock, to be honest. I am sorry for the person. I didn't see what happened. I hope the person is not badly injured," he said. "I also feel sorry for Daniil. I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified in a big match."

The disqualification marked a rare and severe penalty under tennis’ code of conduct, which prohibits ball abuse, physical or verbal abuse, or racquet abuse. Medvedev’s actions were deemed serious enough to warrant immediate defaulting, despite his history of on-court outbursts. The 30-year-old, known for his emotional displays, had previously been fined for racquet-smashing incidents and a 2023 meltdown at the US Open.

Context and Implications

The incident has reignited discussions about player behavior and the enforcement of tennis’ code of conduct. While defaults are uncommon, they are reserved for violations deemed to jeopardize the integrity of the game. Medvedev’s disqualification not only cost him the opportunity to challenge for his first title of 2026 but also impacted the ATP Race for Turin standings, as he lost all points and prize money earned in Beijing.

Djokovic, meanwhile, will face Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final after Hubert Hurkacz retired from their semi-final due to injury. The Serbian, who has won the China Open six times, is aiming for his 102nd career title and his first since the Hellenic Championship in 2025. His performance against Medvedev, which included saving 16 of 18 break points, underscored his resilience despite recent struggles with form and a reported medical condition affecting his fitness.

For Medvedev, the disqualification adds to a growing list of controversies. In 2025, he had pledged to work on his on-court behavior, stating, "When I'm on the court I hate to lose; I love to win. My first goal is to win the match, so it brings a lot of adrenaline out." However, his latest incident highlights the challenges he continues to face in managing his emotions under pressure.

The incident has left fans and analysts divided, with some criticizing Medvedev’s lack of control and others acknowledging the accidental nature of the act. As Djokovic prepares for the final, the focus shifts to whether he can secure his 102nd career title, while Medvedev faces the challenge of addressing his on-court conduct ahead of future tournaments.