Key Takeaways
- Daniil Medvedev was disqualified during his Beijing semifinal clash against Novak Djokovic while trailing 7-5, 5-3 after striking a fan in the face with a ball.
- Novak Djokovic expressed deep sympathy for the spectator and voiced hope that the individual escaped injury.
- Djokovic also expressed sorrow for Medvedev, stating, “I know exactly what it feels to be DQ in a match for this,” after recalling his own 2020 US Open default.
Dramatic semifinal finish in Beijing
An intense semifinal battle between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev at the China Open in Beijing came to an abrupt and shocking halt. Djokovic held a 7-5, 5-3 advantage and was nearing victory when Medvedev was disqualified after hitting a ball that struck a spectator in the face.
The incident immediately ended the contest, sending Djokovic through to the final under unsettling circumstances. Reflecting on the sudden turn of events right after the match, the Serbian star shared his immediate thoughts on the court drama and expressed concern for the spectator.
Djokovic reflects on disqualification empathy
Djokovic admitted that the outcome left him stunned, while also extending his sympathy toward both the affected fan and his opponent. “I’m a bit shocked. Sorry for the person. I hope he is not injured,” Djokovic stated. “I feel sorry for Daniil as well because I know exactly what it feels to be DQ in a match for this.”
The situation resonated on a personal level for Djokovic, who endured a high-profile default during the 2020 US Open under similar circumstances. “I was DQ at the US Open 2020,” Djokovic recalled, before highlighting just how close they had been to concluding the contest normally: “I was 3 points away from the win, incredible battle today.”
ATP Beijing - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Djokovic in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2026
At the moment ranked no.11, Novak owns a compiled 19-7 win-loss record in 2026. The Serbian is currently playing in Beijing where he ousted the world no.51 Nuno Borges 6-3 7-6(2), the world no.93 Bu Yunchaokete 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2, the world no.2 Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-4 6-4 and the world no.5 Daniil Medvedev 7-5 5-3 def..
Novak Djokovic will fight against the world no.9 Alex De Minaur in the final on Tuesday at 7:00 pm on Court 1. Their current head to head is 3-1 for Djokovic.
The Serbian won 101 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 21 on clay courts, 20 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
