World No. 1 Novak Djokovic took to social media on Tuesday to urge his fans who have turned on the US Open linesman who was hit by the ball that carried the Serbian star by default into the fourth round. Djokovic said the linesman in question did nothing wrong and needs the support of the tennis community amid the backlash.
The linesman, who was accidentally hit by Djokovic On Monday, she has been facing backlash and abuse on social media from a section of the tennis star’s fans after Serbian media revealed her Instagram profile, according to Reuters. While some insulted the match referee, some others claimed that the linesman overreacted after the ball hit her neck.
Djokovic was quick to go to the linesman immediately and checked her before having a long discussion with the officials on the court. Chair umpire Aurelie Tourte later announced the breach when Djokovic’s perfect record for the season came to an end in the fourth-round match against Pablo Carreño Busta.
“Dear #NoleFam, thank you for your positive messages. Please also remember that the line person who was hit by the ball last night also needs the support of our community. He has done nothing wrong at all. I ask that you support him and take special care of her during this time, “Djokovic said in a post on social media.
“From these moments, we become stronger and rise. Sharing love with everyone. Here I come Europe.”
From these moments, we get stronger and rise. Sharing love with everyone. Europe here I come (2/2)
– Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 7, 2020
Novak Djokovic had apologized via an Instagram post on Monday, even as he stormed out of Arthur Ashe Stadium without attending a post-match press conference.
“This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked the person on the lines and the tournament told me that thank God he feels good. I am so sorry I caused him so much stress. So unintentionally. So bad. I will not reveal his name to respect her privacy As for disqualification, I have to go back inside and work on my disappointment and turn all of this into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and a human being.
“I apologize to the @usopen tournament and all associates for my behavior. I am very grateful to my team and my family for being my great support, and to my fans for always being with me. Thank you and I am so sorry,” Djokovic wrote on Monday .
Djokovic’s former coach and great tennis player Boris Becker was between the many who supported officials’ decision to disqualify the Serb after Monday’s incident.
“I’m as surprised as anyone. Novak and I went back. We call each other family,” said Becker, who works as an analyst for the Eurosport broadcaster. “This is probably the most difficult moment of his entire professional life. He broke the rule, the decision is correct.”
