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ROME: Novak Djokovic learned “a great lesson” after being disqualified from the US Open for inadvertently hitting a linesman in the throat with a ball.
The incident eight days ago marked an impressive end to Djokovic’s 29-game winning streak and his attempt for an 18th Grand Slam title.
“I am working mentally and emotionally just as hard as physically,” Djokovic said on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at the Italian Open. “I’m trying to be the best version of myself on and off the court and I understand that I have outbursts and this is the personality and the player that I have always been.
“I’m going to take this as deeply as possible for myself as a great lesson. I’ve been thinking about it. I’ve been understanding. I’ve been talking to my team. It’s just one of these things that is unfortunate and it happens. Yo have to go ahead.”
The disqualification occurred during Djokovic’s fourth-round match against Pablo Carreño Busta.
While walking to the Arthur Ashe Stadium sideline for a change, behind Carreno Busta 6-5 in the first set, Djokovic, who was seeded and ranked No. 1 and a heavy favorite for the championship, angrily struck a ball behind him. The ball flew directly towards the linesman, who fell to his knees at the back of the court and stretched towards his neck.
“It was totally unexpected and very unintentional,” Djokovic said. “When you hit a ball like that, you have the opportunity to hit someone who is on the court. The rules are clear. So I accepted it. I had to move on and that’s what I did.
“Of course I didn’t forget it,” added Djokovic. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget it, because it’s one of those things that stays in your memory for the rest of your life. But I don’t think I have any major problems getting back on tour and being able to perform well and hit the tennis ball. “
Djokovic said she consulted with the woman on the line after the incident and was told she was not seriously injured.
“I was very sorry to cause him the shock and the drama, because he did not deserve it in any way,” Djokovic said. “She is obviously a volunteer and doing her job. He loves tennis and, as I understand it, has been there for several years. “
Djokovic had won five of the last seven Grand Slam tournaments to bring his total to 17, closing in on rivals Roger Federer, who has a men’s record of 20, and Rafael Nadal, who has 19.
Federer (injury) and Nadal (travel concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic) did not play at the US Open.
“I’m sorry for him. He had a chance there,” Nadal said. “But somehow you shouldn’t be doing this. … It’s important to have proper self-control on the court.”
Djokovic has a goodbye in the first round in Rome. His first game this week will be against Italian guest Salvatore Caruso or against a qualifier.
The tournament at the Foro Italico was rescheduled from May due to the pandemic and will be played without the assistance of fans.
Nadal, who has a record nine titles in Rome, is on the opposite side of the picture from Djokovic. The Spaniard returns to tennis for the first time since February.
“I am similar to always, maybe a little worse because I did not compete for the last six months,” Nadal said. “To feel that you are 100% you need matches.”
Nadal opens against Carreño Busta.
“He’s playing very well,” Nadal said. “It’s going to be a good test.”
As at the US Open, players are kept in a protective “bubble” and are frequently tested for the coronavirus. But unlike the situation in New York, players are not required to wear masks when entering and leaving the court.
“All the players have been tested, so it makes perfect sense,” said sixth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas. And they don’t have people running around telling you what to do and what protocol to follow every minute you’re in the bubble.
“Plus,” Tsitsipas added, “the accommodation is on another level.”
The male players stay at the five-star Rome Cavalieri, which overlooks the city center from the top of a hill.
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