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Djokovic Advances to China Open Final After Medvedev’s Disqualification
By Drooid · · How we work
Semifinal Disqualification Alters the Beijing Final
On October 5, 2026, the China Open semifinal in Beijing ended abruptly when Russian world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev was defaulted for striking a spectator with a ball. The incident occurred while Novak Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3. After a forehand winner rebounded off the advertising boards, Medvedev swung a backhand in frustration; the ball flew into the front row, hitting a fan in the left eye. The spectator was escorted out of the arena. The chair umpire and ATP official conferred with Medvedev, who accepted the decision without protest, and the match was awarded to Djokovic, giving him a walk-over into the final.
Background & Context
A default can be imposed for a single serious violation, which is what occurred in Beijing. Medvedev’s disqualification marks the first time he has been defaulted from a Tour-level event, although he has previously received fines for on-court outbursts at Monte Carlo (April 2026) and the 2025 US Open and Australian Open.
Data & Statistics
- Score at time of default: Djokovic leading 7-5, 5-3.
- Match duration: 2 hours 29 minutes before the default.
- Break-point record: Djokovic saved 16 of 18 break points; Medvedev converted 2 of 10.
- Djokovic’s Beijing record: 33-0 career match record at the China Open.
- Prize money forfeited: Medvedev will lose the $219,295 earned for reaching the semifinals, along with the associated ranking points.
- Final opponent: World No. 9 Alex de Minaur (Australia), who advanced after Hubert Hurkacz retired with an adductor injury.
Official Statements & Responses
Daniil Medvedev expressed remorse, stating the incident was “100 percent an accident” and that he was “terribly sorry to the spectator.” He said he was trying to contact the fan to apologize in person.
Novak Djokovic called the situation “a bit of a shock,” expressed concern for the injured spectator, and noted his own experience with a default in 2020.
The ATP confirmed that Medvedev’s default triggers the loss of all points and prize money earned at the event, in accordance with the tour’s code of conduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A bit of a shock, to be honest,” — Novak Djokovic
- “Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all,” — Daniil Medvedev
- “I hope that person is not badly injured,” — Novak Djokovic
What’s Next
The China Open final is scheduled for October 6, 2026. Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur for the title and the winner’s purse.