Medvedev Defaulted After Ball Strikes Spectator at China Open

Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic on October 5 after a ball he hit struck a spectator near the face, ending the match while Djokovic led 7-5, 5-3 and was serving for the match. The spectator was helped from the seating area for assistance; the available accounts do not establish the severity or eventual outcome of the injury. The incident followed a completed point. Reports say a ball rebounded toward Medvedev from the advertising boards, and he struck it with a backhand into the front row. Tournament officials reviewed the incident before defaulting him. Djokovic advanced to the final, while Medvedev’s tournament ended without the match being completed. Medvedev said afterward that he was trying to hit the rebounding ball away, not strike anyone or act in anger. He described the incident as accidental, apologized to the spectator and said he hoped to make contact and apologize in person. His stated intention to reach the spectator was not confirmation that they later spoke. Accounts differ over Medvedev’s intent.