Novak Djokovic reached the China Open final in Beijing after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified late in their semifinal on Monday.
Djokovic was leading 7-5, 5-3 and serving for the match when Medvedev hit a ball into the stands. The ball struck a spectator behind the Russian player.
The spectator was seen holding his face and was escorted from the stands. The chair umpire then stopped the match and disqualified Medvedev.
Medvedev Apologises After Disqualification
Medvedev said the incident was accidental. He explained that the ball had bounced back from the rear wall after he failed to return a point.
He said he tried to hit the ball away from the court without intending to send it toward the crowd. Medvedev expressed regret and said he wanted to apologise to the spectator.
Djokovic also said he believed the incident was accidental. He recalled his own disqualification at the 2020 US Open after accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball.
Djokovic Battles Into Beijing Final
Before the dramatic finish, Djokovic and Medvedev had played a demanding match. Djokovic saved 16 break points and produced impressive defensive plays.
The 39-year-old Serbian will face world number nine Alex de Minaur in Tuesday’s final. De Minaur reached the title match after Hubert Hurkacz retired with an adductor muscle injury.
Djokovic admitted the contest had been exhausting and said he had been fortunate to advance. He was only three points away from victory when the match ended.
Gauff, Swiatek and Zheng Advance
In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff defeated China’s Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1. Iga Swiatek advanced after beating Donna Vekic in three sets.
China’s Zheng Qinwen survived a tough three-set match, defeating Marie Bouzkova 7-6, 4-6, 7-5.
Zheng will next face Alina Charaeva, while Swiatek will meet American teenager Iva Jovic.
