Djokovic Goes 33-0 in Beijing After Medvedev Defaulted for Hitting Fan

Novak Djokovic is one win away from his first title of 2026 after the strangest of semi-finals in Beijing. Daniil Medvedev was defaulted for accidentally hitting a spectator in the face with a ball, handing Djokovic a place in the China Open final and pushing his perfect record in Beijing to 33-0.

How It Happened

The incident occurred with Medvedev trailing 7-5, 5-3 and just three points from elimination. After Djokovic hit a winner, the ball deflected off a wall and back toward Medvedev, who swatted it away into the stands. It struck a spectator around the left eye. Tournament officials quickly helped the fan out of the arena, and organizers later confirmed he had been taken to hospital.

Medvedev was immediately defaulted. He will forfeit every ranking point and every dollar of prize money earned in Beijing — a brutal consequence for what was clearly an accident.

Medvedev's Apology

The Russian was visibly shaken afterward. According to Sky Sports, Medvedev said he was "terribly sorry" and actively trying to get in touch with the fan. "I just hope he's OK. That's the most important," he said. "It was 100 per cent accident. You can see I didn't hit the ball in anger."

It is worth noting Medvedev has had his share of on-court incidents — racket smashes at the 2025 and 2026 Australian Open and Monte-Carlo, plus a fine exceeding £30,000 at the 2025 US Open. But by all accounts, this was nothing like those flare-ups. Wrong place, wrong bounce, terrible outcome.

Djokovic's Reaction

Djokovic knows exactly what it feels like to be disqualified at a major. He was defaulted at the 2020 US Open after hitting a line judge with a ball during a moment of frustration. That history made his response measured and empathetic.

"It is a bit of a shock, to be honest," Djokovic said. "I am sorry for the person. I also feel sorry for Daniil as I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified in a big match."

The broader picture for Djokovic is remarkable. The 39-year-old, who won this tournament six times between 2009 and 2015, had not returned to Beijing before this campaign. He has now gone 33 matches in this city without a single loss — a record that demands respect for someone aiming for record-setting glory amidst rising competition.

The Road to the Final

Even before the default drama, Djokovic's semi-final was genuinely grueling. He saved 16 of the 18 break points he faced across the match — elite-level defending under sustained pressure. A day earlier, he came from behind to beat world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals. This is not a Djokovic cruising on a weak draw — he has earned every step.

"My draw wasn't favourable, very tough matches from the beginning, but it makes the run to the final sweeter," Djokovic said. "Something about Beijing keeps me going."

For a player who has dealt with an ongoing medical condition causing fatigue and vomiting on court — symptoms that worsen in heat and humidity — grinding through these conditions to reach a final is a real achievement. He has played just eight tournaments in 2026 and dropped outside the world's top 10, but this Beijing run is pulling him back into that conversation. Fans who have followed his recent battles against top competition know how important a title run like this is for his confidence and ranking.

What's Next

Djokovic faces Alex de Minaur in Tuesday's final. De Minaur reached the final after Hubert Hurkacz retired through injury while trailing 6-4, 3-2 in their semi-final.

A win would give Djokovic his 102nd career title and first since the Hellenic Championship nearly a year ago. After losing the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz in January and struggling with fitness for much of the year, a title in Beijing would be a significant statement from the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

He arrived in Beijing with questions. He leaves Sunday's chaos one match away from answering them.

Related on Ni4o: Djokovic Chases Eighth Wimbledon Crown From Tricky Draw