Brief
Medvedev disqualified from China Open after ball injures spectator
The Russian was disqualified after his shot hit a front‑row fan, leaving Djokovic and de Minaur to contest the title.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semi‑final against Novak Djokovic after a backhand volley struck a spectator in the front row, causing an eye injury, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Djokovic was leading 7‑5, 5‑3 and serving for the match when the incident occurred. After a forehand winner from Djokovic, the ball rebounded off the advertising boards and Medvedev hit a backhand that flew into the stands, hitting the fan who clutched his left eye.
Medvedev told reporters he was "terribly sorry" to the spectator and said he would try to contact him personally. He insisted the shot was not intentional, explaining that he was trying to hit the ball away from the court.
Djokovic expressed shock at the incident and hoped the fan was not badly injured. The disqualification means Alex de Minaur will face Djokovic in the final, giving the Australian a chance to become the first player to beat the Serb at the China Open.
Key facts
- Medvedev was disqualified after his backhand hit a spectator's eye (smh.com.au)
- Djokovic was leading 7-5, 5-3 and serving for the match when the incident happened (smh.com.au)
- Alex de Minaur will face Novak Djokovic in the China Open final (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Daniil Medvedev disqualification: Russian star expelled from China Open after spectator hit by ball”
