Novak Djokovic is into the final of the China Open in dramatic fashion. He has seen off Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 5-3 but he has done so through a default in a mirror image almost of his incident at the US Open all those years ago.
Djokovic was exceptional at times with an incredible opening set going the way of the Serbian 7-5. But the second, he was mere seconds away from winning it. He was 5-3 up and Medvedev hit a ball away and it smashed a spectator in the face in the stands.
Play was stopped as it became apparent that the fan had been hat as he was seen leaning forward clutching his face.
DANIIL MEDVEDEV DISQUALIFIED FOR HITTING A SPECTATOR WITH A BALL 🚨 NOVAK DJOKOVIC INTO THE BEIJING FINAL. https://t.co/pdkl3nTF3d
— Kalshi Tennis (@KalshiTen) October 5, 2026
Medvedev was spoken to by chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani and several minutes later was defaulted from the tournament. An epic game and an epic conclusion. He now faces Alex de Minaur who won by retirement earlier today and Djokovic was just as shocked about the decision.
"I'm a bit shocked. Sorry for the person. I hope he is not injured. I feel sorry for Daniil as well because I know exactly what it feels to be DQ in a match for this. I was DQ at the US Open 2020. I was 3 points away from the win, incredible battle today," said Djokovic.
More to follow
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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