Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open after hitting a spectator in the face with a tennis ball during his semi-final against Novak Djokovic.
The match was paused after the fan was struck and was later taken from their seat to hospital. The injury did not appear to be too serious.
Djokovic had already won the first set and was leading 5-3 in the second when Medvedev sent the ball into the stands. Officials subsequently ended the match and disqualified the world number five.
Medvedev said the incident was accidental, telling reporters: “You can see that I didn’t hit the ball in anger. The most important is I hope that he’s okay, you never know with these types of situations.”
The Russian added: “I feel horrible, I’m terribly sorry and would like to meet him and apologise in person if he wants to.”
Djokovic advanced to the China Open final after the early conclusion to the semi-final.
