In a dramatic turn of events at the China Open semi‑final in Beijing, Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from the match after an errant shot struck a spectator in the face. The incident occurred while Medvedev was trailing Novak Djokovic 7-5, 5-3 and was just three points away from being eliminated. Djokovic, who has never lost a match at this tournament, improved his flawless record there to 33‑0 and moved one step closer to capturing his first title of the 2026 season. The mishap happened when Medvedev, attempting to retrieve a ball that had ricocheted off a wall following a Djokovic winner, swung his backhand into the stands.
The ball glanced off a fan’s left eye area, causing an immediate medical response. Tournament officials escorted the injured spectator out of the arena, and later confirmed that he was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. As a consequence of the default, Medvedev will forfeit all ranking points and prize money he earned at the event.
The ATP’s disciplinary rules are clear: any player who endangers a spectator or official can be disqualified, regardless of intent. In Medvedev’s case, officials determined that the strike was accidental, but the safety of the audience takes precedence. In a post‑match interview, Medvedev expressed deep remorse. "I am terribly sorry to the spectator," he said.
"I’ve tried to contact him to apologise in person, and I hope he is okay. It was a 100 percent accident; I didn’t hit the ball out of anger. The ball was bouncing back toward the court, and I just tried to get it away so it wouldn’t go out.
When I saw what had happened, I felt horrible. I hope I can meet him and make amends." Djokovic, who himself was defaulted at the 2020 US Open after hitting a line judge with a ball, reacted with empathy. "It’s a bit of a shock, honestly," he said. "I hope the person isn’t badly injured.
I also feel sorry for Daniil because I know how it feels to be disqualified in a big match. I’m sure he didn’t intend this." The Serbian star, a six‑time champion of the China Open between 2009 and 2015, had not returned to the venue until this year’s campaign. After a hard‑fought quarter‑final win over world No.
2 Alexander Zverev on Sunday, Djokovic advanced to the final where he will face Alex de Minaur. A victory would give him his 102nd career title and his first since the Hellenic Championship less than a year ago. Djokovic reflected on the semi‑final, describing it as a grueling battle he would have preferred to close in two sets.
"Playing against Daniil is always a big challenge, especially when the conditions are slower and his serve is powerful," he noted. He added that his draw had been tough from the start, making the prospect of a final in Beijing all the more rewarding. The Serbian’s recent form has been mixed.
He reached the Australian Open final in January, losing to Carlos Alcaraz, and has struggled with fitness and a lingering medical issue that causes fatigue and occasional vomiting, especially in hot, humid environments. Nevertheless, his run in Beijing has propelled him back into the world’s top ten. In the other semi‑final, Alex de Minaur was leading Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 3-2 when Hurkacz withdrew with an injury, granting de Minaur a place in the final.
The women’s draw also saw notable storylines. British player Sonay Kartal, returning to the WTA Tour after a stress fracture in her back, saw her comeback end in the third round with a 6-4, 6-1 defeat to Alina Charaeva, who had earlier upset world No. 1 Elena Rybakina. Rybakina subsequently withdrew from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a foot injury, announcing she needed time to rest and recover.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek demonstrated resilience by rallying from a set and 5-2 deficit to defeat Donna Vekic 4-6, 7-6 (7-0), 6-2, and Coco Gauff advanced with a straight‑sets win over Xinran Sun, 7-5, 6-1. At the Japan Open, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fought back from a set down to beat fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, securing his first final appearance since the Monte‑Carlo Masters in April.
Alcaraz, who missed the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury, later reached the US Open quarter‑finals before falling to Ben Shelton in five sets. If he captures the title in Tokyo, it will be his third of the season (following victories in Australia and Qatar) and the 27th of his career. The ATP finals in Beijing and Tokyo will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports Main Event starting at 10 a.m.
on Tuesday, with streaming options available on NOW without a contract. Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience.