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Novak Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open on Sunday after hitting a linesman with the ball after a point during his fourth-round match against Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta.
After dropping his serve to fall behind 6-5 in the first set, a frustrated Djokovic crashed a loose ball onto the court, which hit the line.
A lengthy discussion between tournament officials and Djokovic followed when the Serb argued his case to no avail.
There was no question that Djokovic had no intention of hitting the linesman, and the ball wasn’t hit particularly hard.
However, it was immediately clear that the woman was injured, and the Serbian star rushed to check on her condition.
(Image: Getty Images)
The world number one defended his case extensively before accepting his fate, picking up his rackets and leaving the court.
During the discussion, Djokovic was furious with the decision and was heard telling the referee: “You don’t have to go to the hospital for this.
“Are you going to choose a default option in this situation? My career, Grand Slam, is center stage.”
The incident was a huge shock and the decision will send shock waves through the sport.
Since then, Djokovic has posted his version of events on social media.
According to the rules of the game, there is no other option but a breach and, despite the Serbian’s pleas that he had not intended to hit the referee, he was ultimately disqualified.
The 2020 Grand Slam regulations reads: “Players shall not physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the tournament site at any time.
“In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly detrimental to the success of a tournament, or that are uniquely egregious, a single violation of this section will also constitute the felony of ‘aggravated behavior.’
“The referee, in consultation with the Grand Slam chief supervisors, may declare a foul for a single violation of this code or pursuant to the point penalty schedule.
“In all cases of non-compliance, the referee’s decision in consultation with the Grand Slam chief supervisors will be final and unappealable.”
Djokovic shook the hand of a stunned Carreño Busta and trudged away to face the music.
(Image: Getty Images)
It was an incredible ending to the first seed’s hopes of winning an 18th Grand Slam title, something that seemed increasingly likely as the fortnight progressed.
“It’s the right decision,” Tim Henman, who was disqualified from Wimbledon for a similar incident in 1995, told Amazon Prime.
“He is not aiming at the linesman, but he has hit the ball and you have to be responsible for your actions.”
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.
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