Daniil Medvedev’s China Open campaign ended in dramatic fashion after the Russian was defaulted for accidentally striking a spectator in the eye with a ball during his semifinal against Novak Djokovic.
Daniil Medvedev issued an apology after he inadvertently hit a spectator in the eye with a ball during his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic on Monday, expressing deep regret.
Frustration boiled over for Medvedev as he trailed 7-5, 5-3. After a forehand volley from Djokovic ricocheted off the advertising boards towards Medvedev, the Russian swatted the ball away in frustration, accidentally sending it into the first row and hitting a spectator in the eye.
The spectator clutched his left eye in pain, and stadium staff assisted him as he walked out of the stand.
‘Terribly sorry’: Medvedev to the fan
Speaking to reporters after the match, Medveded expressed remorse, saying that he was trying to get in touch with him personally and wanted to apologise face-to-face and check on his well-being.
“Terribly sorry to the spectator, first of all. I’m trying to get in touch with him, if he wants it. Hopefully I can apologise in person and see how he feels,” the Russian tennis player said.
30-year-old Medvedev added that he did not cause the incident intentionally, saying, “The ball was bouncing back, so I tried to, like, just hit it anywhere, so it doesn’t go out from the court.ย When I saw the result, I mean, I felt horrible because, again, I don’t think I was ever close to such a situation.”
More from Tennis NewsAccidental ball strike cost Medvedev thousands of dollars
Medvedev’s hit may have been accidental, but it cost him big-time as the umpire disqualified him from the match, handing Djokovic the win. He did not protest the decision either.
As a result, Medvedev will lose his points and tournament prize money due to the default. He was assured $219,925 and 200 ranking points after reaching the semifinals.
Notably, Medvedev can still appeal against the decision.
After Medvedev’s disqualification, Djokovic advances to the China Open men’s singles final and will face fifth-seeded Alex de Minaur, who reached the summit clash after Hubert Hurkacz retired with an adductor injury.