Medvedev disqualified from China Open semi after hitting ball into crowd

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semi-final match against Novak Djokovic after hitting a ball into the crowd on Monday. The incident occurred when Medvedev, who was trailing 7-5, 5-3, hit a rebounding ball that struck a spectator in the eye. The victim, sitting in the first row of the gallery, clutched his left eye and appeared to be in distress as he was helped out by stadium staff.

Djokovic, the sixth seed, expressed shock and concern for the spectator, stating that he hopes the individual is not seriously injured. Djokovic also empathized with Medvedev, acknowledging the disappointment of being disqualified in a high-stakes match. Additionally, both semi-finals were cut short due to another early exit - Hubert Hurkacz withdrew from his own semi-final with an adductor injury.

The first semi-final saw Australian player Alex de Minaur lead against his Polish opponent, but the match also ended prematurely as Hubert Hurkacz had to withdraw mid-game.