Djokovic Storms into China Open Final After Medvedev Default
Novak Djokovic advances to the China Open final after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified following a freak accident involving a spectator.
Novak Djokovic has secured his place in the China Open 2026 final following a dramatic and unexpected turn of events during his semi-final encounter with Daniil Medvedev. In a match that was already a high-stakes battle, the contest ended abruptly when Medvedev was defaulted due to an accidental incident involving a spectator.
The Freak Accident That Changed Everything
The semi-final was reaching its climax on Beijing’s centre court. Djokovic, the record six-time champion, was firmly in control and serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3, with the score at 15/15. The momentum shifted instantly when a ball rebounded off the back wall, prompting an instinctive reaction from Medvedev. He struck the ball, but it sailed into the crowd and struck a spectator.
The officials ruled a default for Medvedev, handing the victory to Djokovic. This marks Djokovic's first appearance in an ATP 500 final since his title victory in Astana back in 2022.
Djokovic Reacts to Medvedev's Disqualification
Expressing his shock at the sudden conclusion, Djokovic shared his thoughts on the incident and the unfortunate spectator. “A bit of a shock, to be honest,” Djokovic remarked. “Sorry for the person [who got hit]. I honestly didn’t see what happened. I hope that person is not badly injured.”
The Serbian champion also showed empathy toward his opponent, drawing parallels to his own career struggles. “On the other hand, I also feel sorry for Daniil, because I know exactly how he feels to be disqualified in a big match. I was disqualified at the 2020 US Open in similar circumstances. I am sure that Daniil didn’t want to do this intentionally. It just happens.”
A Gruelling Battle Before the Chaos
Before the disqualification, the two titans of the court had engaged in a punishing two-hour and 29-minute marathon. Medvedev, who arrived in Beijing riding an impressive eight-match winning streak following his Hangzhou title, played with immense confidence.
Djokovic, however, showed his trademark resilience. After recovering from an early break, he claimed the opening set and proceeded to break Medvedev's serve twice in the second set to move within striking distance of the win. “I was three points away from the win. It was a gruelling battle, and I definitely didn’t want [a] third set,” Djokovic said, noting the difficulty of facing Medvedev in slower conditions.
The Championship Match Ahead
Djokovic now prepares to face the fifth-seeded Australian, Alex de Minaur, in Tuesday’s highly anticipated championship match. Djokovic holds a psychological advantage heading into the final, leading their ATP head-to-head series 3-1.