Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from the China Open on Monday after hitting a spectator in the face with a ball during his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic. The incident occurred when Medvedev, the third seed, was trailing Djokovic 7-5 5-3.
After Djokovic hit a winner, the ball ricocheted off the back of the court. Medvedev then swiped at a backhand in annoyance, sending the ball into the air and striking a spectator in the front row. The fan was seen holding their face and eye as they were helped out of the arena.
Following discussions with umpire Mohamed Lahyani and an ATP official, Russia's Medvedev approached the net to shake hands with Djokovic. Djokovic, who was defaulted from the 2020 US Open for a similar incident, expressed sympathy for both the fan and Medvedev, stating he was sure Medvedev did not intend to do it.
As a result of the default, Medvedev will lose the points and prize money he earned during his run to the last four in Beijing. Defaults in tennis are rare and are issued for violations of the sport's code of conduct, with Medvedev's offence deemed serious enough for an instant default.
Djokovic will now advance to play Alex de Minaur in Tuesday's final. The 39-year-old Serb has a 33-0 record at the China Open, having won the title six times previously.