Daniil Medvedev, the 30-year-old ranked 6th in the ATP rankings, was disqualified during his ATP 500 semifinal match against Novak Djokovic in Beijing after striking a spectator in the face with a tennis ball, Maisfutebol reported on October 5, 2026. The incident occurred in the second set while Djokovic served to close out the match at 7-5, 5-3, with the score at 15-15 in the eighth game.
The Incident During the Beijing Semifinal
Play had stopped following the conclusion of a point when Medvedev hit a rare one-handed backhand that sent the ball directly into the front row behind the baseline. The ball struck a spectator squarely in the eye. Medvedev immediately approached the stands to apologize, but tournament officials handed down an immediate default. The decision ended the contest prematurely, sending Djokovic through to the final.
Tournament Penalties and Financial Forfeiture
Beyond losing the match, Medvedev faced severe administrative sanctions for the default. According to tournament reports, the Russian player will receive zero ATP ranking points for his run in the Chinese capital and forfeits all prize money earned for reaching the semifinals.
Medvedev Claims Ball Hit Was an Accident
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Medvedev insisted the incident was entirely unintentional. reported that the player stated he was trying to keep the ball from leaving the court when it came toward him. I am terribly sorry for the spectator. I am trying to get in touch with him, if he so desires. I hope to be able to present my apologies to him personally and see how he is,
Medvedev told reporters, adding, It was 100% an accident. You can see I didn’t hit the ball under the effect of anger.
He also noted that he felt very bad when he saw the outcome because he believed he had never faced such a situation before, explaining that the ball was coming in his direction and he merely tried to hit it anywhere so it would not leave the court.
 "Photo: A Bola")
Novak Djokovic expressed sympathy for his opponent following the abrupt finish. I feel (…) sorry for Daniil, because I know exactly what it feels like to be disqualified in a big match,
Djokovic said, as noted by A Bola. I am sure Daniil didn’t do that intentionally. I hope that person is not seriously injured.
Djokovic Reaches Final to Face Alex De Minaur
With the default, Djokovic advanced to the 146th singles final of his career, tying Ivan Lendl’s historical mark, and extended his undefeated streak in Beijing to 33-0. He advanced to face Alex de Minaur in the Tuesday final, after De Minaur reached the championship match via the withdrawal of Hubert Hurkacz in the opposing semifinal.
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