World number one Novak Djokovic was on Sunday disqualified in the fourth round of the US Open. He got disqualified for striking a line judge with a ball following a point. This was during the first set of his match against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.
Djokovic was frustrated after squandering three set points when Carren Busta served, then suffering a fall. He swatted a ball reasonably hard to the back of the court. The ball struck a female line judge in her throat.
The line judge screamed out in pain and fell to the ground. Djokovic ran over to her and apologised. He tried to make a point that he had not intended to hit the official.
However, the Grand Slam rules state: “Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.
“The referee, in consultation with the Grand Slam chief of supervisors may declare a default for either a single violation of this code.”
Djokovic shook hands with Carren Busta. However, he left the grounds in a black Tesla without attending a press conference.
APOLOGY
Djokovic posted an apology on Instagram, “This whole situation has left me really sad and empty… I’m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.”
“As for the disqualification, I need to go back within and work on my disappointment and turn this all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human being. I apologise to the @usopen tournament and everyone associated for my behaviour.”
The match has brought to an end Djokovic’s 26-0 win streak since the start of the year.
The USTA issued a statement saying that Djokovic would lose all the ranking points earned from the event and will be fined the $250,000 — his prize money for reaching round four.