Tennis

Daniil Medvedev was already nearing elimination from the China Open on Monday, but his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic came to an abrupt end when he was disqualified from the tournament.

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A frustrated Medvedev appeared to injure a fan in the second set, and he wasn’t allowed to continue on.

The loss kept Djokovic’s perfect record at the China Open intact, and it accelerated what appeared to be a likely defeat for Medvedev had the rest of the match played out.

Here’s a look at Medvedev’s bizarre moment at the China Open.

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Why Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from China Open

Medvedev hit a fan in the eye when he hit a ball into the stands out of frustration during Monday’s match. The fan had to exit holding his eye, and Medvedev then had to exit permanently.

The fan was taken to a hospital, Sky Sports reported.

Here’s the moment Medvedev’s day ended, with the former US Open champion appearing mostly unbothered by the disqualification decision:

🚨The moment when Medvedev got disqualified at the @ChinaOpen. https://t.co/5GllzQvZsG

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 5, 2026

After the match, Medvedev said he is «terribly sorry» to the fan and would like to apologize to him in-person.

«100 percent an accident,» Medvedev said, explaining that he didn’t hit the ball «out of anger» in the moment.

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«The ball was bouncing back so I tried to just hit it anywhere so it doesn’t go out from the court,» he said, calling it a «horrible feeling» once he saw what happened.

Daniil Medvedev on DQ : «I feel horrible, I’m terribly sorry and would like to meet him and apologise in person if he wants to» https://t.co/dEaV4N4pl8

— SK (@Djoko_UTD) October 5, 2026

Djokovic, meanwhile, said he was «a bit in shock» but sent well wishes to both the fan and Medvedev.

Bit in shock after that one. An incredible battle, and grateful to be heading to another China Open final. Most importantly, wishing the injured spectator a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹. Also sending thoughts to @DaniilMedwed. I’ve been there. See you tomorrow, Beijing. Idemooo https://t.co/i0dtAgzTYj

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 5, 2026

While Medvedev might have been on track to lose regardless, disqualification prevents him from receiving prize money and points for reaching the semifinal.

Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur for the title after both players saw their semifinal matches end abruptly; de Minaur’s opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, retired due to injury.

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