Medvedev Disqualified in Beijing After Striking Spectator with Ball

Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic on Monday after striking a ball into the crowd that hit a spectator. The third seed was trailing 7-5, 5-3 when, after losing a point, he swatted a rebounding ball in frustration. It flew into the stands and struck a fan in the first row in the eye, leaving the spectator clutching their face as stadium staff escorted them out.

The default sends 39-year-old Djokovic into Tuesday's final against Alex de Minaur, extending his remarkable Beijing record to 33-0. The six-time champion will chase his 102nd career ATP title; de Minaur advanced when Hubert Hurkacz retired trailing 6-4, 3-2 in the other semifinal.

Medvedev, himself no stranger to controversy, said he hoped to apologize to the fan in person: "I just hope he's OK. That's the most important." Further punishment remains possible for the world No. 5.