Medvedev Disqualified
Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semifinal match against Novak Djokovic on October 5, 2026, after inadvertently hitting a spectator in the face with a ball.
Read on: Cavan Sullivan Makes US Soccer History
Key Details of the Incident
The Match Situation: Medvedev was trailing Djokovic 7-5, 5-3 in the second set on Diamond Court in Beijing.
The Disqualification: After losing a point, Medvedev struck a ball in frustration that rebounded off the back wall into the front-row stands. The ball struck a fan near the eye, requiring stadium staff to escort the spectator for medical attention.
Umpire Ruling: Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani, following consultation with tournament supervisors, issued a default, ending the match immediately.
Consequences: Under ATP regulations, Medvedev forfeited all ranking points and prize money earned during the tournament.
”Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all.”
Medvedev described the default as a “100% accident”, explaining that he hit the ball out of frustration toward the back wall without any intention of sending it into the stands or toward a fan.
Also Read: The Hits & Misses of the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix
Djokovic Expresses Sympathy For Medvedev
Djokovic expressed sympathy for Medvedev following the ruling, noting he related to the situation due to his own default under similar circumstances at the 2020 US Open. With the default victory, Djokovic advanced to the final to face Alex de Minaur.
Explore: Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Release Date, Streaming Details, and What to Expect