Djokovic reaches China Open final after Medvedev hits spectator with ball

Djokovic's route through the China Open brought him up against Alexander Zverev, the world number two, in the quarter-finals. On October 3, CNN Brasil reported that Zverev had advanced to face Djokovic, then ranked number 11.

The match also carried consequences for the top ranking. Jannik Sinner had withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters while still sidelined by a knee injury, according to Al Jazeera. His absence gave Zverev an opportunity to close the gap.

On October 4, Djokovic beat Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. L'Équipe reported that Djokovic faced a break point at 4-4 in the second set after losing the first, but recovered to win.

The result also delayed Zverev's pursuit of the number one ranking. According to La Repubblica, winning both Beijing and the Shanghai Masters would have allowed him to overtake Sinner.

On October 5, Djokovic's semi-final against Medvedev ended before either player could complete a conventional victory. Medvedev was trailing 7-5, 5-3 when he hit a spectator in the face with a ball and was defaulted, the BBC reported.

Guardian Sport described Medvedev hitting a rebounding ball into the Beijing crowd. Djokovic had saved 16 break points during the match, according to The42.

Medvedev later apologised and said the incident was entirely accidental, L'Équipe reported. Djokovic expressed shock at the ending, according to SVT.

Djokovic is through to the final against Alex de Minaur on Tuesday, October 6, according to ESPN. His semi-final ended through Medvedev's disqualification, with Djokovic already leading by a set and a break.

De Minaur's semi-final also ended early. ABC Australia reported that his opponent retired because of injury.

Tuesday's final will decide whether Djokovic can turn his comeback win over Zverev and interrupted semi-final into the China Open title. ESPN identifies Alex de Minaur as the remaining opponent.