Tennis star Daniil Medvedev disqualified after hitting spectator with ball
Tennis star Daniil Medvedev has apologised after hitting a spectator with a ball, leading to his disqualification from the China Open, reports BritPanorama.
The former world No 1 was trailing 7-5, 5-3 in the semi-final against Novak Djokovic when he struck a loose ball into the crowd. The incident resulted in the ball hitting a spectator in the face, who required assistance while covering his eye.
In the aftermath, Medvedev expressed his regret, stating he was “terribly sorry” and felt “horrible.” He explained that the ball had bounced back unexpectedly and he aimed to hit it away from the court. “I mean, 100 per cent (an) accident,” he remarked, emphasising he did not hit the ball in anger and that “ball abuse” is not typical of his behaviour.
Medvedev mentioned attempts to contact the spectator to apologise in person, underscoring his desire to ensure the spectator was not seriously injured. “When I saw the result, I felt horrible because, again, I don’t think I was ever close to such a situation,” he added.
Djokovic, who witnessed the incident, conveyed his disbelief, recalling his own disqualification at the 2020 US Open after accidentally hitting a line judge. “Sorry for the person (who was hit). I honestly didn’t see what happened,” Djokovic stated, expressing empathy for Medvedev’s situation as well, considering the circumstances of disqualification. “I am sure that Daniil didn’t want to do this intentionally. It just happens.”
The disqualification not only cost Medvedev his spot in the final but also meant he forfeited the prize money and ranking points associated with reaching the semi-finals. Djokovic, now one win away from securing his first title of the year, will face Australian Alex De Minaur in the final, having never lost a match at this event.
As the tournament progresses, the contrast between the high stakes of elite competition and the unpredictability of player conduct outside of normal play remains stark—a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the game of tennis.
