Daniil Medvedev disqualified: Novak Djokovic is in the Beijing final

Because his semi-final opponent Daniil Medvedev was disqualified, tennis star Novak Djokovic is once again in the final of his favorite tournament in Beijing. Towards the end of the second set, after losing a point, the Russian hit the ball into the audience and hit a spectator in the face. The visitor had to be led from the stands in obvious pain.

Djokovic was declared the winner after just under two and a half hours with a score of 7:5, 5:3, 15:15 and will face Australian Alex de Minaur in the final this Tuesday. The 39-year-old Serb has never lost a game in Beijing and now left the pitch as a winner for the 33rd time.

"I'm a little shocked. I'm sorry for the person. I hope he's not hurt," Djokovic said. “I feel sorry for Daniil too because I know exactly how it feels to be disqualified for something like that,” said the long-time world number one, who was disqualified from the 2020 US Open.

Exciting and bizarre duel

Before the inglorious end, Djokovic, who had defeated Germany's best tennis player, Alexander Zverev, in the quarterfinals, and Medvedev had fought a thrilling duel. The first set alone lasted 1:19 hours before Djokovic prevailed 7:5.

From then on, the strains of the previous encounters on the pitch were clearly noticeable for both players. The 39-year-old Djokovic appeared weak and repeatedly rested his hands on his thighs. Medvedev apparently didn't accept the Serb's problems and imitated his opponent a few times. When he gave up his serve to make it 2:4, the Russian also took a break from treatment. He then managed the re-break, but then lost his serve again - and shortly afterwards lost his nerve.