Beijing (Sports Desk) — Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev was disqualified during his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at the Beijing Open for hitting a ball toward spectators.
The incident occurred when Djokovic was serving with a 5-7, 3-5 lead. Medvedev angrily hit the ball toward the spectators, and it struck a man sitting in the front row in his left eye.
The injured spectator was escorted out of the stadium while holding his eye.
Medvedev’s action recalled the 2020 US Open incident, when Djokovic was also disqualified from the tournament after hitting a line judge with a ball.
With this victory, Djokovic maintained his unbeaten record at the Beijing Open at 33-0.
In the final, Djokovic will face Australian player Alex de Minaur, who advanced after Hubert Hurkacz was forced to retire from their match due to injury.