Djokovic into China Open final as Medvedev out for hitting fan with ball

On the afternoon of the China Open semi-finals, Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the tournament after striking a spectator in the face with a ball. The 30-year-old Russian was leading Novak Djokovic 7-5 5-3 when the incident occurred. Medvedev was trailing the three-time Grand Slam champion by one set and two games when the controversial moment unfolded.

The Serb, frustrated with the outcome of the point, swung at a backhand shot in annoyance, causing the ball to ricochet off the back of the court and hit a woman who was seated in the front row of the spectator stand. The fan was left holding her face and eye, requiring medical assistance and being escorted out of the arena. Medvedev approached the net to shake Djokovic's hand following the match, expressing his deepest apologies to the spectator and assuring them that he hoped to speak with them in person to apologize further.

Djokovic, who was previously fined for a similar incident at the US Open in 2020, expressed sympathy for both Medvedev and the spectator. Medvedev, known for his explosive temper on the court, admitted that he often struggles to control his emotions during matches. The default resulted in Medvedev forfeiting the points and prize money earned from the Beijing match.