Novak Djokovic is through to the China Open final, but his latest victory in Beijing came in a way even he could not have expected.
The Serbian was leading Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 5-3 in their semi-final when Medvedev was defaulted after accidentally hitting a ball into the crowd and striking a spectator.
The incident brought an abrupt end to an intense contest that had lasted two hours and 29 minutes, with Djokovic only a few points away from completing the win himself.
Medvedev had been under pressure throughout the second set after Djokovic fought back from a break down in the opening set. The Serbian then broke twice in the second to take control of the match.
However, with the contest nearing its conclusion, a ball rebounded off the back wall and Medvedev struck it towards the crowd, unintentionally hitting a fan. Under the rules, the incident resulted in an immediate default.
Djokovic admitted that the ending came as a shock, particularly because he had experienced a similar situation himself at the 2020 US Open when he was disqualified after accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball.
"A bit of a shock, to be honest," Djokovic said, while expressing concern for the spectator and sympathy for Medvedev.
The unusual finish did not take away from Djokovic's performance during the match. He had faced a demanding run to the semi-finals, including a difficult quarter-final against top seed Alexander Zverev, and once again showed his ability to remain composed under pressure.
Against Medvedev, Djokovic saved 16 of 18 break points, repeatedly producing his best tennis when his opponent threatened to turn the match around.
The victory also extended his remarkable record in Beijing. Djokovic remains unbeaten at the China Open, improving his record there to 33-0.
"I always believe in myself," Djokovic said after reaching his 146th tour-level final.
He will now face Alex de Minaur for the title after the Australian advanced when Hubert Hurkacz retired from their semi-final because of an adductor injury. De Minaur was leading 6-4, 3-2 at the time.
The result gives De Minaur his 10th ATP 500 final appearance and another opportunity to claim one of the biggest titles of his career.
For Djokovic, the stakes are even higher. A victory would give him his 102nd tour-level title, putting him just one behind Roger Federer's 103 and two behind the all-time record of 104 held by Jimmy Connors.
The Serbian therefore heads into the final with history within reach, although the bizarre circumstances of his semi-final victory will undoubtedly remain one of the biggest talking points from his Beijing campaign.
After an unexpected route into the championship match, Djokovic now has the chance to finish the China Open with another piece of history.
