Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semi-final match against Novak Djokovic after hitting a spectator in the face with a ball. The incident occurred when Medvedev swiped at a backhand in annoyance, sending the ball into the air and hitting the fan in the front row of the stand behind him. The spectator doubled over, holding his face, and was helped out of the arena.
Medvedev apologized to the spectator and expressed his concern for his well-being. He stated that he was "terribly sorry" and hoped the fan was okay. Medvedev also mentioned that he was trying to get in touch with the spectator to apologize in person. Novak Djokovic, who was playing against Medvedev, sympathized with both the fan and Medvedev, stating that he knew exactly how Medvedev felt about being disqualified in a big match.
The disqualification was due to Medvedev's violation of the sport's code of conduct, specifically ball abuse. According to tennis rules, players can receive three code violations before being disqualified, but Medvedev's offense was serious enough to warrant an immediate default. As a result, Medvedev will lose the points and prize money he had earned in Beijing.
This incident is not the first time Medvedev has struggled with his emotions on the court. He had a meltdown at last year's US Open when a photographer walked on court, and was fined almost £31,500 ($42,500) for his behavior. In April, he obliterated a racquet after losing 6-0 6-0 at the Monte Carlo Masters and was again fined for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Medvedev had spoken about working on his on-court behavior in an interview with BBC Sport in 2025. He stated that he was trying to control his emotions, acknowledging that his behavior sometimes brings out "good energy" and sometimes "bad energy." Despite this, Medvedev's actions in the China Open semi-final match led to his disqualification.
The default allowed Djokovic to advance to the final, where he will face Alex de Minaur. Djokovic has an impressive record at the China Open, having won the title six times and boasting a 33-0 record. He has won at least one title a year since 2006, although this will be his first final since the Australian Open.
In other tennis news, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame fluctuations in form to reach the Japan Open final. Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka in the final after the Czech beat Monaco's Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-2.
Key points
- Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semi-final match against Novak Djokovic.
- The disqualification was due to Medvedev hitting a spectator with a ball.
- This incident is not the first time Medvedev has struggled with his emotions on the court.
