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Title favorite Novak Djokovic was sensationally eliminated from the US Open after hitting a linesman with a ball.
he top seed and 17-time Grand Slam champion had just dropped his serve to follow Spanish rival Pablo Carreño Busta 6-5 in the first set of their fourth-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He hit a ball behind him in annoyance that hit a female linesman. A lengthy discussion between tournament officials and Djokovic followed when the Serb argued his case to no avail.
There was no doubt that Djokovic had no intention of hitting the linesman, and the ball was not hit particularly hard, but it was immediately clear that the woman was injured, and the Serb was quick to check her condition.
He advocated extensively for his case before accepting his fate, picking up his rackets, and leaving the court.
The decision will send shockwaves through the sport. Djokovic won his 17th singles title in Australia and was a huge favorite to reach 18th in New York without losing a game all season.
Online editors
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