Tennis: linesman beaten by Novak Djokovic abused after Serbian media named her

The linesman who was attacked by Novak Djokovic yesterday, leading to the top seed being breached at the US Open, has been abused on social media.

A Serbian newspaper released his name and Instagram details, prompting abuse directed at the tennis official.

Most of the abuse came from Djokovic’s Serbian fan base, who accused the linesman of acting and costing the tournament favorite a shot at his 18th Grand Slam title.

The worst thing about the abuse was making fun of her son’s death, reports the Daily Mail.

In one of the most dramatic moments in Grand Slam tennis history, the red-hot Djokovic was disqualified on center court yesterday during his fourth round match against Pablo Carreño Busta after hitting a ball in apparent frustration, the ball then hitting the woman in the throat.

And the best player in the world apparently tried to use his influence to stay in the tournament, despite the fact that his expulsion was automatic according to the rules of tennis.

Djokovic was also criticized for leaving the tournament without speaking to the media.

After the incident, there was a lengthy online discussion involving Djokovic and tournament officials, with many veteran observers believing that the automatic disqualification should have happened much faster.

The Daily Mail reported that the shocked-faced world number one told those officials: “You don’t have to go to the hospital for this.

“Are you going to pick a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, center stage?”

Djokovic immediately showed concern for the linesman and went over to check if she was okay after she was beaten.

He later posted a message on Instagram apologizing for his actions.

“This whole situation has left me very sad and empty. I checked the person on the lines and the tournament told me that thank God it feels good. I am very sorry to have caused you so much stress. So involuntary. So wrong.

“I will not reveal your name to respect your privacy. Regarding the disqualification, I have to go back inside and work on my disappointment and turn all this into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and a human being. I use them and all the associates for my behavior. I am very grateful to my team and my family for being my rock support, and to my fans for always being with me. .

A statement from the USTA said Djokovic, who is aiming for an 18th Grand Slam title, would lose all qualifying points, would be fined his minimum $ 250,000 prize pool, in addition to any other fines for the infraction.

Grand Slam rules prohibit intentionally hitting a ball in a dangerous or reckless manner on the court, or in a negligent manner.

The on-court discussion involved tournament referee Soeren Friemel and other officials.

Djokovic had already hit a ball more safely, in apparent frustration, and had just dropped serve to 20th seeded Carreño Busta to be 6-5 behind.

The linesman fell to the ground when she was hit, holding her neck, and seemed distraught.

There are other examples of players being defaulted for similar actions, including in 1995 when Britain’s Tim Henman struck a ball on the head of a ball during a doubles match.

US Open fifth seed Alexander Zverev said: “If (the ball) had landed anywhere else, we’re talking a few inches, it would have been fine.

“I think the supervisors and all of them are just doing their job, but they are very unlucky for Novak.”

Djokovic, 33, was the big favorite with Rafael Nadal (Covid-19 concerns) and Roger Federer (injury) not playing.

Former United States Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe was among those who said Djokovic should have chaired a press conference.

Stuart Fraser, the Times tennis writer, called it a “regrettable error of judgment on the part of the world’s number one and leader of the new players association not to stand up and apologize for his actions.”