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World number one Novak Djokovic has asked his fans to support the linesman he struck at the US Open, following the disgusting acts of online trolls.
Djokovic was sent off from the Grand Slam tournament on Monday (New Zealand time) after a ball he hit in frustration, after missing a point, struck a linesman in the throat during the first set of his fourth-game match. round with Pablo Carreño Busta.
Unacceptably, the linesman, who collapsed in pain and was struggling to breathe immediately after impact, received criticism for “plummeting”, “poor performance” and was referred to as “Tennis Karen”.
Al Bello / Getty Images
Novak Djokovic talks to the linesman who has been blamed by some internet trolls for the backlash.
But the abuse went to another level when the line referee was reportedly named in the Serbian media and his Instagram account was attacked.
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The worst of the abuses included taunting the linesman for the death of his son, the Daily mail reported, after a Serbian newspaper released his name and Instagram details.
Djokovic took to social media the day after the incident to ask his fans to support the linesman, but strangely enough, he did not take a firm stance in asking online trolls to stop the abuse.
Seth Wenig / AP
The linesman collapsed in pain and was struggling to breathe immediately after impact.
“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 care of her especially during this time (sic), Djokovic wrote in his Twitter counts on Tuesday (New Zealand time).
“From these moments, we get stronger and rise. Sharing love with everyone. Europe here I come, ”he said.
Tennis greats were quick to condemn the disgusting abuse, including the former Australian doubles player turned ESPN commentator Rennae Stubbs.
Djokovic posted on Instagram on the day of the incident that he had been left sad and empty after the events of the day.
Djokovic has been fined $ 10,000 (NZ $ 14,941) for unsportsmanlike conduct and will also lose $ 250,000 (NZ $ 373,500) in US Open prizes.
