Daniil Medvedev made an inglorious exit from the China Open on Monday after being defaulted in his semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic.
With Djokovic serving for the match at 7-5 5-3 15-all, the Russian’s frustration boiled over and as a ball bounced up off the back wall, Medvedev struck it into the crowd, hitting a spectator in the front row.
The man bent over with his hands over his face for several minutes before he was led away from the stands for further treatment.
Umpire Mohammed Layani consulted the tournament referee but had no option but to default the third seed.
Medvedev meltdown means Djokovic extends incredible China Open record
Djokovic appeared to be slightly disappointed at the match being curtailed the way it was as he looked on course to build on Sunday’s hugely impressive defeat of French and US Open champion Alexander Zverev in Beijing.
The 24-time grand slam champion is now into his first ATP 500 championship match since he won in Astana in 2022 and will take on Alex De Minaur on Tuesday.
The Australian was leading Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 3-2 when the Pole had to retire due to injury.
Djokovic, who extended his unbeaten run at the China Open to 33 matches, holds a 3-1 head-to-head record against De Minaur.
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