Novak Djokovic advanced to the China Open final on October 5, 2026, after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified during their semifinal match while trailing 7:5, 5:3. The incident occurred in the ninth game of the second set when Medvedev struck a ball into the stands after a lost point, hitting a spectator in the eye. The victory marked Djokovic’s 33rd career win at the venue across seven appearances, extending his unbeaten tournament streak. At 39 years old and making his first return to Beijing since 2015, Djokovic stands one victory away from capturing his seventh title at the event and the 102nd title of his career. The first set alone spanned 79 minutes, during which Medvedev converted only 2 of 18 break points before Djokovic secured the opener 7:5.
Referee Disqualifies Medvedev After Spectator Injury
The semifinal match at the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing reached an abrupt end at 15:15 in the second-set game where Djokovic was serving for the match. Following the incident, the spectator required medical treatment and assistance to leave the stands. Main referee Mohamed Lahyani, following consultations with the tournament supervisor, disqualified Medvedev in accordance with tennis rules. Medvedev accepted the decision without protest and later stated that it was entirely an accident, expressing his desire to apologize personally to the spectator. Under ATP rules, the Russian player will forfeit all ranking points and prize money earned at the tournament. The 30-year-old Russian player struck the ball after it rebounded off the advertising board from a forehand volley winner, sending it high into the front row of the tribunes where it hit the fan in the face.
Djokovic Recalls His Own Disqualification
Djokovic expressed shock and sympathy following the conclusion, noting the parallel to his own disqualification at the 2020 US Open when he inadvertently struck a linesperson with a ball. Honestly, I was a little shocked. I feel sorry for the spectator, I didn’t see much of what happened, but I hope he’s okay and not seriously injured,
stated Djokovic, adding, I also feel sorry for Daniil because I know what it’s like to be disqualified.
The victory marked Djokovic’s 33rd career win at the venue. Medvedev defended his actions to reporters by stating, I’m so sorry, it was 100% an accident,
and expressed that he wanted to apologize to the fan personally. Djokovic also noted that he was just three points away from victory when the default occurred.
Upcoming Final Clash
In Tuesday’s China Open 2026 final, Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur. The world number nine advanced after leading Polish opponent Hubert Hurkacz 6:4, 3:2 before Hurkacz retired from the match due to an adductor injury. In their head-to-head record, Djokovic leads De Minaur 3:1, having defeated the Australian at the 2023 Australian Open and at Wimbledon in both 2024 and 2025, with his sole loss against him coming at the start of the 2024 season at the United Cup in Australia.
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