Daniil Medvedev was defaulted for hitting a spectator in the face with a ball as Novak Djokovic took his impeccable record at the China Open to 33-0 and moved one win away from a first title of 2026. Medvedev accidentally struck the fan around the left eye while trailing 7-5 5-3 and three points from defeat in Monday's punishing semi-final in Beijing, during which Djokovic saved 16 of the 18 break points he faced.
Medvedev, who will now lose all points and prize money earned from the event, hit a backhand into the stands after the ball deflected off a wall following a winner from Djokovic. The spectator was subsequently helped out of the arena and tournament organisers later announced he had been taken to hospital.
Medvedev said: "Terribly sorry to the spectator... It was 100 per cent accident." Djokovic, defaulted at the 2020 US Open for hitting a line judge, said: "It is a bit of a shock... I also feel sorry for Daniil as I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified in a big match."
Djokovic, 39, will meet Alex de Minaur in Tuesday's final as he looks to clinch a 102nd career title and first since the Hellenic Championship.
Источник: Sky Sports Champions League · Сводку подготовил HeadlinesBriefing