Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev accidentally struck a spectator with a ball during his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at the China Open in Beijing, leading to his disqualification.
The male spectator was seen holding his left eye in pain after being hit by the ball, prompting Medvedev to express his regret and concern for the spectator’s well-being. Medvedev stated, “I feel terribly sorry for him actually and I just hope he’s OK. Hopefully I can meet him and make up for it somehow.”
The incident occurred as Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3, and Medvedev, in frustration, hit the ball into the stands. After a series of events, including a volley winner by Djokovic and the ball bouncing back towards Medvedev, he inadvertently struck the ball into the front row.
Medvedev clarified that the incident was unintentional, explaining, “It was 100 per cent an accident. … The ball was bouncing back, so I tried to just hit it anywhere, so it wouldn’t go out of the court.”
Following the incident, Medvedev showed immediate remorse by waving his hand in apology and remained on the court until the officials came to discuss his disqualification. He then proceeded to shake hands with Djokovic before leaving the court.
This incident drew comparisons to Djokovic’s disqualification from the 2020 U.S. Open for inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball. Djokovic expressed sympathy for both the spectator and Medvedev, acknowledging the challenging nature of such situations in high-stakes matches.
Medvedev, who has a history of on-court behavioral issues, faced a fine earlier in the year for unsportsmanlike conduct during a match at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Djokovic’s Unbeaten Streak at China Open
Novak Djokovic maintained his flawless record at the China Open, extending it to 33 consecutive wins. He is set to compete in the final against Alex de Minaur, who advanced due to Hubert Hurkacz’s retirement in the semifinals.
This final marks Djokovic’s second appearance this year after losing to Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open. Despite being ranked No. 11, Djokovic showcased his resilience by defeating top-seeded Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.
During the match against Medvedev, Djokovic faced challenges with time violations but managed to secure the victory. The intense battle between the two former No. 1 players culminated in Medvedev’s disqualification at the two-hour 29-minute mark.
De Minaur, Djokovic’s final opponent, led in his semifinal match when Hurkacz retired due to an injury, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the championship match.
Alcaraz and Lehecka to Compete for Title
Carlos Alcaraz, coming back from a wrist injury layoff, is poised to play his first final since his return. The third-ranked Alcaraz overcame a tough challenge in the Japan Open semifinals against Jaume Munar to set up a final clash with Jiri Lehecka.
Lehecka, on a winning streak, secured his spot in the final after defeating Valentin Vacherot. Alcaraz, aiming to defend his Tokyo title, has been displaying solid form since his comeback from injury in late August.
Alcaraz’s resilience was evident in his semifinal match, where he rallied after a shaky start to secure a victory. Despite facing a tough opponent in Munar, Alcaraz’s determination shone through as he advanced to the final.
Rybakina Withdraws from Wuhan Open
Elena Rybakina, the U.S. Open champion, pulled out of the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a foot injury. Rybakina’s withdrawal followed her unexpected early exit in Beijing, losing to a lower-ranked opponent.
Rybakina expressed the need for rest and recovery following her disappointing performance in Beijing. Meanwhile, the player who defeated her continued her impressive run in the tournament, showcasing her rising talent in the competition.
