Story perspectives

Medvedev Defaulted for Ball Abuse, Djokovic Reaches Final

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 10:36 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Djokovic Advances After Disqualification

Novak Djokovic advanced to the China Open final after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified.
Medvedev struck a rebounding ball that hit a front-row spectator’s left eye while trailing 7-5, 5-3.
The injured fan was escorted out of the arena and later taken to hospital.
Under ATP rules Medvedev forfeited his ranking points and $219,295 prize money.

Summary

Medvedev Defaulted for Abuse

Daniil Medvedev was defaulted for ball abuse after hitting a ball recklessly.
The ATP code defines ball abuse as hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly with disregard for consequences.
Defaults for a single serious violation like Medvedev’s are rare under ATP regulations.
Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official consulted before issuing the disqualification.
After the default, Medvedev walked to the net and shook hands with Novak Djokovic.

History

Historical Context

In January 1990, John McEnroe was defaulted from the Australian Open for intimidating a lineswoman and racket smashing, receiving a $6,500 fine under the new ATP Code of Conduct. That precedent, set during the tournament won by Ivan Lendl, was invoked when the ATP defaulted Daniil Medvedev at the 2024 China Open after his shot injured a spectator.

1 of 3

Djokovic Advances After Disqualification

Novak Djokovic advanced to the China Open final after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified.
Medvedev struck a rebounding ball that hit a front-row spectator’s left eye while trailing 7-5, 5-3.
The injured fan was escorted out of the arena and later taken to hospital.
Under ATP rules Medvedev forfeited his ranking points and $219,295 prize money.

1 / 3