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Daniil Medvedev Loses $219,295 Prize After Accidental Ball Strike Leads to Default

Daniil Medvedev’s China Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic ended abruptly after an accidental ball strike resulted in a default. Leading 7-5, 5-3, Medvedev hit a rebounding ball into the stands, striking a spectator in the eye during a routine play.

The incident cost him the match, his semifinal prize money of approximately $219,295, and 200 ATP ranking points. Though Medvedev insisted the shot was unintentional, the ATP’s ball-abuse rules triggered the default, with potential additional fines still under review.

Djokovic, who faced a similar default at the 2020 US Open, later expressed sympathy for Medvedev’s situation, acknowledging the emotional weight of such a loss. The Russian player, who shook hands with Djokovic before leaving the court, now advances to the final while grappling with the fallout from the unexpected turn of events.

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