Medvedev Defaulted Against Djokovic at China Open

Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic after swatting a rebounding ball into the stands, where it struck a spectator in the face near the eye. The incident occurred with Djokovic leading 7-5, 5-3; the spectator received assistance and left for treatment, and Medvedev did not challenge the umpire’s decision. Medvedev said the shot was accidental, expressed regret and hoped to apologize to the spectator in person. The default cost Medvedev 200 ATP ranking points and his tournament prize money, reported as about £165,000. Djokovic advanced to face Alex de Minaur in the final, extending his unbeaten China Open record to 33 matches; de Minaur reached the final after Hubert Hurkacz retired injured.