Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic has advanced to the final of the China Open, following the disqualification of his semi-final opponent, former world number #1 and 2021 US Open champion, Daniil Medvedev.
Medvedev's disqualification comes after the Russian tennis star accidentally hit a spectator in the face during a match against Djokovic in Beijing. Prior to the disqualification, the two were engaged in a "very exhausting" match, as Djokovic put it.
The strike was the result of a backhand on a rebounding ball after Djokovic won a point. The spectator was sitting in the front row of Medvedev's side of the court when the incident occurred, and was last seen being cared for by venue staff and tournament officials as he was escorted out of the stands.
In a press conference immediately following the match, Medvedev maintained that the incident "was a hundred per cent an accident. You can see that I didn't hit the ball out of anger."
Medvedev's disqualification will impact more than just his outcomes in the China Open, as the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) adheres to strict internal guidelines. As a result, the Russian will lose his status and winnings from the tournament: 200 points and an estimated $220,000 in prize money.
Medvedev's loss of points - paired with a win from Djokovic or Alex de Minaur - sees him clutching onto his position as 8th tightly, with the China Open champion trailing behind him at only 90 or 60 points, respectively. The disqualification is shaping up to be detrimental to his ambitions of attending the ATP Finals in Italy later this year.
Despite his previous unsportsmanlike behaviour resulting in various code violations and fines, this is the first time Medvedev has been disqualified from a tournament. But, his history of violence on the court hasn't helped the defence of his behaviour as an accident.
Medvedev's opponent sympathised, recalling his infamous disqualification from the 2020 US Open after a similar incident involving a line judge, saying he's "sure that … it happened by accident."
The involved spectator's condition is still unknown, but in the post-match press conference, Medvedev articulated his sorrow.
"I just really care about him right now. Hopefully, I can meet him and make up for it somehow."
Watch here the exact moment Daniil Medvedev hits a ball into the crowd and into a fan, resulting in his disqualification 😬
He will now lose all his prize money & ranking points for this week in Beijing… https://t.co/Bz3IEME97Y
— Callum (@daviescallum42) October 5, 2026
Fans reacted on social media, both in support and against the former world number one.
"Only surprise at Medvedev default today was that it hasn't happened before." (@pavyg)
"With Daniil Medvedev, the funny comes with a side of ugly. A default was a long time coming." (@Gill_Gross)
"I don't think Medvedev was trying to hit the fan. He was frustrated after losing the point and just wanted to smash the ball away. Unfortunately, it went straight into the stands and hit a spectator." (@amir_amirel)
Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below 👇
