Medvedev defaulted after ball struck spectator at China Open
The Russian was trailing Novak Djokovic 7–5, 5–3 when a ball he hit in frustration struck a spectator, who was taken from the stands for treatment.
Daniil Medvedev was defaulted from his China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic after hitting a ball in frustration into the stands, where it struck a spectator in the head. The incident sent Djokovic through to the final.
Medvedev was trailing 7–5, 5–3 when he struck the ball as it bounced back towards him from the back wall. The CBS Sports account says a chair umpire discussed the incident with Medvedev and a tournament official before the default.
The spectator was helped from the stands to receive treatment. Their condition was not reported.
Medvedev apologised to the spectator and said he hoped they were OK. He told reporters he would try to make contact and apologise in person.
CBS Sports reported that the default was made under ATP rules, describing the incident as a dangerous act. It did not identify a specific rule.
