Daniil Medvedev apologized to the spectator struck by his stray shot during the China Open, visiting the injured fan in a Beijing hospital to deliver an inscribed tennis racket and personally express remorse following his tournament disqualification.
Hospital Visit Follows Semifinal Disqualification in Beijing
Tennis player Daniil Medvedev visited a spectator in a Beijing hospital following an incident at the China Open where he struck the fan in the eye with a ball during his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic, Sportbild.de reported, citing coverage from Sky. During the hospital visit, Medvedev handed over one of his tennis rackets inscribed with the words “I’m sorry.”
The incident occurred during a tense baseline exchange with Djokovic at 5:7, 3:5 and 15:15 in Medvedev’s service game. Reacting to a ball that rebounded off the court fixtures, the Russian player swiped at the ball to keep it from leaving the enclosure. Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani immediately disqualified Medvedev from the match for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Medvedev Regrets Hitting Supporter in the Stands
Following the default, Medvedev described the incident as an accident, noting that he had no intention of hitting anyone in the stands. “He ut mir wirklich furchtbar leid, und ich hoffe einfach, dass es ihm gut geht,” Medvedev stated in post-match remarks reported by Sportbild.de, expressing his hope to connect with the supporter to make amends. “Als ich das Ergebnis sah, fühlte ich mich schrecklich. Das Wichtigste ist, dass ich hoffe, dass es ihm gut geht, denn in solchen Situationen weiß man ja nie.”
The disqualification carried immediate competitive and financial consequences under ATP Tour regulations. Beyond forfeiting the semifinal match to Djokovic, the former world number one surrendered 200 ranking points and $219,295 in prize money.
Transition to the Shanghai Masters
Ranked fifth in the world, Medvedev shifted his focus to the subsequent Asian swing following the tournament in the Chinese capital.
What Happened During Medvedev's Disqualification?
What tournament was Medvedev playing when the disqualification occurred?
Medvedev was competing at the China Open in Beijing during his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic.
How much prize money did Medvedev forfeit?
The player lost $219,295 in prize money alongside 200 ATP ranking points as a result of the disqualification.
Which tournament did Medvedev travel to next?
Medvedev traveled directly to compete at the Masters tournament in Shanghai.
