Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Djokovic Reaches China Open Final After Medvedev Default
Novak Djokovic was playing Daniil Medvedev in a China Open semi-final.
Djokovic was ahead when Medvedev hit a ball that bounced into the stands.
It struck a spectator near the eye, and stadium staff helped the spectator leave.
Officials then disqualified Medvedev, ending the match.
Medvedev said it was an accident and that he felt very sorry.
Djokovic also said he did not think Medvedev meant to hit anyone.
Djokovic advanced to the final.
Alex de Minaur reached the other spot in the final after Hubert Hurkacz stopped playing because of an adductor injury.
Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from his China Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic after a rebounding ball struck a spectator near the left eye.
Djokovic was leading 7-5, 5-3 and serving for the match when the incident ended play.
Medvedev said the ball strike was accidental, expressed regret and hoped to apologise to the spectator in person.
Djokovic said he did not believe Medvedev acted intentionally and expressed concern for the spectator.
Alex de Minaur also reached the final after Hubert Hurkacz retired with an adductor injury; Djokovic was scheduled to face de Minaur.
- Who
- Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic; a spectator was struck by the ball.
- What
- Medvedev was defaulted from the semi-final, sending Djokovic to the China Open final.
- When
- Monday, October 5, according to the articles.
- Where
- The China Open in Beijing.
- Why
- A ball Medvedev hit after it rebounded struck a spectator; Medvedev said the incident was accidental.
Accident and Regret
Injury and Match Consequences
Whether the ball strike was intentional
Accident and Regret
Medvedev said the ball was bouncing back and that he hit it away without intending to hit anyone; Djokovic said he believed it was accidental.
Injury and Match Consequences
The ball struck a spectator near the eye, and officials defaulted Medvedev, ending the match.
Impact of the decision
Accident and Regret
Djokovic said he felt sorry for Medvedev and understood how it felt to be disqualified in a major match.
Injury and Match Consequences
The default sent Djokovic to the final; reports also said Medvedev forfeited tournament prize money and ranking points.
- Score at the incident
- Djokovic led 7-5, 5-3 and was serving for the match.
- Spectator
- The ball struck a spectator near the left eye; staff helped the spectator leave the stands.
- Medvedev's response
- He said the hit was accidental, expressed regret and hoped to apologise in person.
- Djokovic's response
- He said he believed Medvedev did not act intentionally and hoped the spectator was not badly injured.
- Other semi-final
- Alex de Minaur was leading Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 3-2 when Hurkacz retired with an adductor injury.
- Final
- Djokovic was set to play Alex de Minaur for the title.
- Set discrepancy
- One article describes the incident as occurring in the second set; another says the third set.
Sources
China Open: Djokovic reaches final after Medvedev defaulted for hitting fan with ball
WATCH: Daniil Medvedev Disqualified After Ball Hits Fan In Eye During Novak Djokovic China Open Semi-Final
Daniil Medvedev reveals why he struck ball that hit spectator at China Open
