Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic after hitting a spectator in the face with a ball.

The incident occurred during the second set of the highly anticipated match in Beijing. Medvedev, frustrated after losing a point, struck a ball towards the back of the court, unintentionally hitting a spectator.

Following the accidental impact, tournament officials reviewed the situation. While the act was deemed unintentional, the rules of professional tennis stipulate that striking a spectator with a ball, regardless of intent, can lead to disqualification.

The disqualification means that Novak Djokovic advances to the China Open final without playing the remainder of the match. This outcome is a significant development in the tournament, leaving one of the top contenders out due to an unfortunate on-court incident.

Medvedev, known for his powerful game and occasional on-court displays of emotion, has previously faced scrutiny for similar, though less severe, incidents. The rules are in place to ensure player conduct and the safety of those attending the matches.

Spectators at professional tennis events are typically seated at a safe distance from the court, but stray balls can still pose a risk. The immediate aftermath of the incident saw concern for the spectator's well-being, with officials and medical personnel attending to them.

The disqualification is a rare occurrence at this level of professional tennis, especially in a high-stakes semi-final match between two of the sport's leading players. It underscores the strict regulations governing player behavior and the potential consequences of actions that could endanger others.

Djokovic will now proceed to the final, awaiting the winner of the other semi-final match. The focus will shift to the remaining matches and the ultimate champion of the China Open, with Medvedev's premature exit casting a shadow over the latter stages of the tournament.