Daniil Medvedev has been disqualified from the China Open following an incident during his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic. The third seed was trailing 7-5, 5-3 when a winner from Djokovic sailed past him. In a moment of frustration, Medvedev swiped at the ball, inadvertently launching it into the stands and striking a spectator in the face. Third seed Medvedev trailed Djokovic 7-5 5-3 when the Serb hit a winner beyond him for 15-15. Sending the ball into the air and hitting a spectator who was sitting in the front row of the stand behind him, the ball ricocheted off the back of the court and Medvedev swiped at a backhand in annoyance.
The fan was seen doubling over in distress while holding his eye and required assistance to leave the arena. Following a consultation between umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official, the decision was made to default the Russian player. Medvedev subsequently approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic, confirming his exit from the tournament.
Addressing the incident afterward, Medvedev expressed deep regret. He stated, “Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all. I just hope he’s OK. That’s the most important. I’m trying to get in touch with him, if he wants it. Hopefully I can apologise in person and see how he feels.” I just really care about him right now.
Novak Djokovic, who famously faced a default at the 2020 US Open for a similar transgression, offered empathy toward both the injured fan and his opponent. “It’s a bit of a shock to be honest. I hope that person is not badly injured,” the Serb said. “I also feel sorry for Daniil. I know exactly how he feels to be disqualified in a big match. I am sure that Daniil did not want to do this intentionally.”
Under the sport’s code of conduct, disqualifications are rare but can be triggered by severe instances of ball, physical, or verbal abuse. While players typically receive warnings for code violations, the nature of this incident resulted in an immediate default. As a consequence, Medvedev forfeits all prize money and ranking points earned during his time in Beijing.
The 30-year-old has a documented history of struggling with emotional control on the court. His previous incidents include a high-profile meltdown at last year’s US Open involving a photographer, which resulted in a fine of nearly £31,500 ($42,500), and a display of racquet abuse at the Monte Carlo Masters in April following a 6-0, 6-0 loss.
Medvedev had previously acknowledged his difficulties in managing on-court temperament. In a 2025 interview, he explained, “When I’m on the court I hate to lose; I love to win. My first goal is to win the match, so it brings a lot of adrenaline out and it brings all the energy out. Sometimes it is a good energy. Sometimes it is a bad one.”
