– How many years have I been banned? – VG

One of the biggest scandals in tennis occurred when Novak Djokovic entered the history books with a negative sign on Sunday night. The 33-year-old blindly hit the ball in frustration after losing a game, and was unlucky and hit a linesman on the neck. It meant thank you and goodbye to the US Open for Serbs.

Djokovic is one of five players who have been disqualified from a singles match since the Grand Slam was reorganized in 1968, where professional players could compete against amateurs.

Rebel boss John McEnroe was the first to be dismissed in 1990, and we have to go back 20 years in time to find the last time a tennis player was shown the door.

• Stefan Koubek (French Open, 2000). He tossed the tennis racket, which then hit a ball boy.
• Jeff Tarango (Wimbledon, 1995). He disqualified himself after a series of disputes with the Chief Justice Alexander Mronz. The American is said to have called the French referee “corrupt” and the player’s wife slapped Mronz across the face in the hallways.
• Carsten Arriens (French Open, 1995). The puck after throwing the racket into the net after losing the second set in the first round of the French Open.
• John McEnroe (Australian Open, 1990). The American received a warning after threatening a linesman, scoring after breaking the racket and was expelled from the tournament after arguing violently with the refereeing team.

The disqualification has shocked the tennis world, with most agreeing with Djokovic’s eviction. Former world champion Martina Navratilova described the incident “amazing” and said she was glad the linesmen had done well.

Several other tennis players have reacted to Djokovic’s disqualification. Among them, one of the most controversial figures in sport, Nick Kyrgios. Posted a poll on Twitter After the match.

– How many years have I been banned? was the Australian’s question, posing five, ten and 20 years as alternatives.

Several more games were played during the US Open on Sunday, and world number seven Alexander Zverev (23) was asked about the episode at one of the neighboring fields.

– It was a shame that he met with the linesman, and especially where he met her. There are rules for this. I think the judges and everyone just did their job. But yes, it was very unfortunate for Novak, says Zverev.

The German advanced to the next round after a victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The 23-year-old will face Borna Coric or Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals. At his press conference, Zverev was asked how he would react in the same situation as Djokovic.

– I think I have never been disqualified in my career. No, I have never been in such a situation. I don’t really know what to say. I’m a bit surprised at the moment, to be honest, he says.

Djokovic left the mandatory post-game press conference and was seen leaving the area in a car. But then he lay down on Instagram:

– I’m sorry and I’m empty as a result of this whole situation. I have checked how the linesman is doing and thank God the tournament management has told me that he is fine. I am very sorry for the stress I have inflicted on you, writes Djokovic.

– I apologize for my behavior at the US Open and for everyone at the tournament. I am grateful for the support of the team and my family, and the fans who have always been with me. Thank you, sorry, continue.