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(Reuters) – Reaction to top seed Novak Djokovic’s disqualification from the US Open after the Serbian hit a linesman with a ball after a point during the first set of his match against Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta on Sunday .
Pablo Carreño Busta, who led 6-5 in the first set
“I think this was not intentional,” the Spaniard told reporters. “I don’t think any of us players will do this (intentionally).
“It’s just that I broke his serve and he threw the ball. I think it was bad luck, right? You can’t do this, but of course I think Novak never, ever wants to hit the linesman.”
“I’m really sorry, because it’s not the way I want to be in (the) quarterfinals. I was playing my game, I was playing very well and I was enjoying the game.”
Statement from the US Tennis Association
“According to the Grand Slam rule book, following your actions of intentionally hitting a ball in a dangerous or reckless manner on the court or hitting a ball without regard for consequences, the referee of the US Open tournament. The US defaulted on Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open.
“Due to failure to comply, Djokovic will lose all qualifying points earned at the US Open and will be fined prize money won at the tournament in addition to any or all fines imposed in connection with the criminal incident.”
Alexander Zverev, fifth seed
“It is very unfortunate that he hit the linesman, and especially where he hit her,” Zverev told reporters. “Yes, there is a rule for it. I think supervisors and all of them are just doing their job.
“Very unfortunate for Novak. I think he’s going to be a little upset about that. If I had hit him anywhere else, if he had landed anywhere else, we’re talking a few inches, it would have been fine.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m a little in shock right now.”
Martina Navratilova, 18-time Grand Slam singles champion
“Incredible what just happened on the court,” he wrote on Twitter. “Novak Djokovic missed by inadvertently but stupidly hitting a line down the throat with a ball and the referees had no choice but to miss.
“Wow … #sad I’m glad the woman is okay, we should do better than that.”
Billie Jean King, 12-time Grand Slam singles champion
“Hope the linesman is okay,” he wrote on Twitter. “The rule is the rule. It is unfortunate for everyone involved, but in this specific situation, the default decision was the correct one.”
Tim Henman, former player
“It’s the right decision,” Tim Henman 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.”
Mats Wilander, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion
“You are not allowed to do that,” he said. “It’s all the bad luck you can have on a tennis court. He didn’t just roll the ball back to the ball boy, that’s the bottom line.”
“It hit him harder than he intended, obviously a total accident. It was a sign of frustration, yes. A little. But it doesn’t matter, you don’t have permission to.”
Alex Corretja, former French Open finalist
“It is amazing how one centimeter can change not only the game, but the future of our sport, the history of our sport,” he told Eurosport.
“With the rule as it is, you need to disqualify him. Obviously they had no choice, it’s a shame … It’s absolutely a shame that this match ended like this. He had a great opportunity but you need to know how.” to manage your emotions on the court.
“It’s a great lesson for the kids growing up and for everyone on tour. You have to be very careful what you do on the court because you can seriously hurt someone.”
Nick Kyrgios, Australian tennis player
“Trade me for the pranksters incident. ‘Accidentally hitting the ball boy in the throat’ for how many years would they ban me? 5? 10? 20?” wrote on Twitter.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; edited by Toby Davis)
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