Daniil Medvedev disqualified from China Open semi after hitting spectator with ball

Match situation before incident

The Russian player was trailing 7-5, 5-3 when he hit a rebounding ball into the stands. The ball struck a fan sitting in the front row of the gallery. Medvedev swiped at a backhand shot in apparent frustration after losing the point.

Immediate aftermath and quotes

The spectator was helped out of the arena holding his left eye. Djokovic expressed sympathy for both the fan and Medvedev, stating he did not believe the incident was intentional. Medvedev approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic after speaking with officials.

Consequences for the tournament

Medvedev will lose all points and prize money earned from the event. Novak Djokovic extended his perfect China Open record to 33-0 and will face Alex de Minaur in the final. The other semi-final ended early when Hubert Hurkacz retired due to an injury.