Medvedev Defaulted From Beijing Semifinal After Ball Hits Spectator

^{Medvedev is informed by an official that he has been defaulted}

Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his ATP 500 semifinal in Beijing against Novak Djokovic after hitting a spectator with a ball. Djokovic was leading 7-5, 5-3 when the match was stopped.

The incident occurred in the second set.

After a point had ended, Medvedev struck a ball with his racket, sending it into the front rows of the stands, where it hit a spectator near the eye. Play was halted and arena staff escorted the spectator from the stands.

Following a review of the incident, officials decided to disqualify Medvedev.

ATP rules prohibit players from hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly when it is no longer in play. Such violations can result in penalties.

Typically, players are first given a warning, followed by a point penalty and then a game penalty for subsequent offenses. However, a tournament supervisor can order an immediate default for a single serious violation.

The match had lasted more than two hours. Medvedev led for part of the opening set before Djokovic turned it around and took the set. The Serbian also moved ahead in the second set. During the match, Medvedev received treatment from a physiotherapist for an issue with his right shoulder.

Djokovic advanced to the final, where he will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur. De Minaur reached the title match after his semifinal opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, was unable to continue.

Medvedev arrived in Beijing after winning the tournament in Hangzhou, where he claimed his third title of the season and the 24th of his career.