Rome, 5 Oct. (LaPresse) – “It was a bit of a shock, to be honest. I feel sorry for the person” hit by the ball struck by Medvedev. “Honestly, I didn’t see what happened. I hope they haven’t suffered any serious injuries.” Novak Djokovic commented as such on the incident that led to the Russian’s disqualification in the semi-final of the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing. “On the other hand, I also feel sorry for Daniil, because I know exactly what it feels like to be disqualified in an important match,” added Djokovic, recalling the incident in which he was involved at the 2020 US Open, where he was disqualified for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball. “I too was disqualified at the 2020 US Open in similar circumstances. I’m sure Daniil didn’t mean to do it. These things happen.” Medvedev’s disqualification brought an end to a match that seemed to be heading in Djokovic’s favour, with him leading by a set and at 5-3 in the second. “I was three points away from victory,” Djokovic remarked. “It was a gruelling battle and I definitely didn’t want to go to a third set. It really did look as though we were heading in that direction. I don’t know how many break points I saved – it was mad. It’s always a huge battle against Daniil and it’s incredibly difficult to face him when he’s feeling the ball well, in slower playing conditions and with that powerful serve. But let’s move on.”
ATP Beijing, Djokovic: “The final against Medvedev was shocking – I know how it feels”
Rome, 5 Oct. (LaPresse) – “It was a bit of a shock, to be honest. I feel sorry for the person” hit by the ball struck by Medvedev. “Honestly, I didn’t see what happened. I hope they haven’t suffered any serious injuries.” Novak Djokovic commented as such on the incident that led to the Russian’s disqualification in the semi-final of the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing. “On the other hand, I also feel sorry for Daniil, because I know exactly what it feels like to be disqualified in an important match,” added Djokovic, recalling the incident in which he was involved at the 2020 US Open, where he was disqualified for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball. “I too was disqualified at the 2020 US Open in similar circumstances. I’m sure Daniil didn’t mean to do it. These things happen.” Medvedev’s disqualification brought an end to a match that seemed to be heading in Djokovic’s favour, with him leading by a set and at 5-3 in the second. “I was three points away from victory,” Djokovic remarked. “It was a gruelling battle and I definitely didn’t want to go to a third set. It really did look as though we were heading in that direction. I don’t know how many break points I saved – it was mad. It’s always a huge battle against Daniil and it’s incredibly difficult to face him when he’s feeling the ball well, in slower playing conditions and with that powerful serve. But let’s move on.”