Daniil Medvedev DQ'd after hitting China Open fan with ball: What we know

Daniil Medvedev defaulted in his 2026 China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic in the third set when he hit a ball that went into the crowd and his a spectator in the face. Medvedev had just lost a point to Djokovic and swatted at the ball that hit a spectator in the front row. The fan was taken

What is the story about?

Daniil Medvedev defaulted in his 2026 China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic in the third set when he hit a ball that went into the crowd and his a spectator in the face.

Medvedev had just lost a point to Djokovic and swatted at the ball that hit a spectator in the front row. The fan was taken away to be treated.

“I’m trying to get in touch with him, if he wants it, he told reporters after the match, via The Athletic. "Hopefully I can apologize in person and see how he feels. … I just hope he’s OK. That’s the most important. I just really care about him right now.”

Here are videos from that moment:

DANIIL MEDVEDEV DISQUALIFIED FOR HITTING A SPECTATOR WITH A BALL 🚨

NOVAK DJOKOVIC INTO THE BEIJING FINAL.pic.twitter.com/pdkl3nTF3d
— Kalshi Tennis (@KalshiTen) October 5, 2026

Medvedev is

in trouble. Hit a fan directly in the face. Default pic.twitter.com/anKe8WyEJM
— SwingMate (@Golf_To_Live) October 5, 2026

Did Medvedev hit the ball out of anger or on purpose?

No word from him on that.

Will Medvedev face punishment for hitting the fan with the ball?

Possibly. He's been fined $7,000 for a racket smashing meltdown at the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this year. He was also fined $42,500 for a racket smash at the 2025 U.S. Open.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Daniil Medvedev DQ'd after hitting China Open fan with ball: What we know