Daniil Medvedev was defaulted for hitting a spectator with a ball as Novak Djokovic took his impeccable record at the China Open to 33-0 and moved one win away from a first title of 2026.
Medvedev accidentally struck the fan while trailing 7-5 5-3 and three points from defeat in Monday’s high-quality semi-final in Beijing
Djokovic, 39, won this event six times in seven years between 2009 and 2015 but had not returned prior to this campaign.
The Serb, who secured a come-from-behind quarter-final victory over world No 2 Alexander Zverev on Sunday, will meet Alex De Minaur in Tuesday’s final as he looks to clinch a 102nd career title and first since the Hellenic Championship little under a year ago.
Speaking on court afterwards, Djokovic, defaulted at the 2020 US Open for hitting a line judge with a ball, said: “It is a bit of a shock, to be honest. I am sorry for the person.
“I didn’t see what happened and I hope the person is not badly injured. I also feel sorry for Daniil as I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified in a big match.
“I’m sure he didn’t want to do this intentionally.”
Novak Djokovic is through to another China Open final
Djokovic reached the Australian Open final in January, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets, but has struggled for fitness and form since and dropped out of the world’s top 10, although this run in Beijing has returned him to that elite level.
The 24-time major champion, who has played just eight tournaments this year, revealed an ongoing medical condition that has led to fatigue and vomiting on court, with the issue exacerbated in hot and humid conditions.