Novak Djokovic reaches Beijing final after Daniil Medvedev disqualified for hitting spectator

Novak Djokovic reached the final of the Beijing tennis tournament in extraordinary circumstances after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for hitting a spectator with the ball.

The Serbian, currently ranked 11th in the world, was leading fifth-ranked Medvedev 7-5, 5-3 when the incident occurred during a semi-final which had already lasted two hours and 30 minutes.

Medvedev sent a ball towards the stands, striking a spectator in the face. The affected fan left their seat to receive assistance before the decision was taken to disqualify the Russian player, bringing the match to an abrupt end.

The result sends Djokovic into the Beijing final for a seventh time and extends his perfect record at the tournament. He now has 33 consecutive victories in Beijing.

A video of the incident was posted by Kalshi Tennis on 5 October 2026 alongside the message: “DANIIL MEDVEDEV DISQUALIFIED FOR HITTING A SPECTATOR WITH A BALL. NOVAK DJOKOVIC INTO THE BEIJING FINAL.”

The latest victory also gave Djokovic sole possession of a significant Open Era record. He moved beyond Rafael Nadal’s 31 consecutive wins in his opening matches at Roland Garros, establishing the longest winning run at the start of appearances at a single tournament.

Djokovic will face Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the final. The ninth-ranked player advanced after Hubert Hurkacz, ranked 34th, retired while trailing 6-4, 3-2.

The final will be the fifth meeting between Djokovic and de Minaur, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head record by three victories. Their previous encounters also include a 2024 Wimbledon quarter-final in which Djokovic benefited from the Australian’s withdrawal before the match.