Daniil Medvedev’s China Open Default Could Cost Him $5 Million ATP Finals Prize

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from the China Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic after hitting a ball into the stands, putting his ATP Finals hopes at risk.

Medvedev, trailing Djokovic 5-7, 3-5, reportedly struck the ball in frustration after missing a return. It bounced off the advertising boards and came back towards him before his backhand sent it into the stands.

The ball hit a spectator sitting behind Medvedev. The spectator was seen covering his face and was escorted away for medical attention. Medvedev immediately waved his left hand in apology, but chair umpire and tournament officials still defaulted him.

$220,000 Prize Money at Stake

Medvedev would have earned roughly $220,000 for reaching the China Open semi-finals. His default also means he will forfeit the prize money, ranking points and hotel accommodation linked to his run as per reports.

That would make the penalty one of the costliest defaults in professional tennis, behind Djokovic’s disqualification at the 2020 US Open.

Djokovic lost $250,000 in prize money after being defaulted in the fourth round for inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball. He also lost the chance to compete for the Grand Slam title and the $3 million winner’s prize.

200 Ranking Points Could Prove Costlier

For Medvedev, the loss of 200 ranking points could have a bigger impact than the immediate financial penalty.

The Russian is currently eighth in the ATP year-to-date rankings with 3,030 points. He is only 330 points ahead of ninth-placed Alex de Minaur, who reached the China Open final on Monday.

ATP Rules Allow Default for Dangerous Ball Hitting

The ATP Rulebook prohibits players from hitting, kicking or throwing a tennis ball violently, dangerously or in anger during a tournament, except in the reasonable pursuit of a point.

The chair umpire and tournament supervisor reportedly determine whether an incident warrants a code violation and, ultimately, a default.

Defaults on the ATP Tour remain rare. David Nalbandian lost $51,000 after being disqualified from the Queen’s Club final in 2012 for kicking a line judge.

Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov, however, successfully appealed penalties in 2024.

Medvedev’s ATP Finals Hopes at Risk 

Medvedev has reportedly earned $52.9 million in career prize money, but missing the ATP Finals could carry a much greater cost.

Simply qualifying for the year-end tournament and playing three matches guarantees a payout of $331,000, while the champion receives nearly $5 million.

After a poor 2025 season, Medvedev now faces a tight battle to retain his place among the top eight.