Novak Djokovic ‘sorry’ after being defaulted from US Open for striking lineswoman with ball

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has apologised after his stunning disqualification for hitting an official with a ball | WATCH

Novak Djokovic of Serbia tends to a line judge who was hit with by a ball he struck in anger during his US Open men’s singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta. Picture: Getty Images

Novak Djokovic has apologised for hitting a lineswoman with a ball at the US Open, which led to his stunning disqualification.

The world number one Serb, undefeated this year, was defaulted during his fourth-round match against Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta at 5-6 in the opening set at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic was not aiming for the lineswoman but the force of the blow made her fall to the ground. Under US Open rules, that’s an automatic default, regardless of intent.

Djokovic did not speak to the media after the match but later issued a statement on Instagram.

“This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok.

“I’m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong. I’m not disclosing her name to respect her privacy.

“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 apologize to the @usopen tournament and everyone associated for my behavior. I’m very grateful to my team and family for being my rock support, and my fans for always being there with me. Thank you and I’m so sorry.”

Winning run ends in bizarre fashion

Djokovic was the overwhelming favourite to win the tournament in the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but he’s now out of the tournament.

He pleaded his case on the court for 10 minutes, reportedly saying to officials: “She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this. You’re going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, centre stage?”

Djokovic reacts after hitting the lineswoman.

Djokovic rushes to comfort the official.

He was eventually forced to accept his fate and depart.

The Serbian star is only the third player in Grand Slam history to be disqualified out of a men’s singles tournament following John McEnroe at the Australian Open in 1990 and Stefan Koubek at the French Open in 2000.

Novak Djokovic leaves the court after being defaulted. Picture: Getty Images

Djokovic will be docked all ranking points earned at the US Open and fined $US250,000 in prize money.

A statement from the US Tennis Association detailed the immediate sanctions Djokovic faces after he was tossed out of the tournament during the fourth round.

USTA statement on default of Novak Djokovic: pic.twitter.com/dqlt0mokg9

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2020

The USTA said Djokovic had been defaulted under the Grand Slam rules for “intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences.”

“Because he was defaulted, Djokovic will lose all ranking points earned at the US Open and will be fined the prize money won at the tournament in addition to any or all fines levied with respect to the offending incident,” the USTA said in a statement.

Rivals and former players reacted with shock after the disqualification. Germany’s Alexander Zverev had words of sympathy for Djokovic, describing the disqualification as “very unfortunate.”

“He hit a tennis ball. It’s very unfortunate that, you know, he hit the line judge, and especially where it hit her,” Zverev said.

Top-seeded Novak Djokovic was defaulted from his fourth-round match at the #USOpen after he accidentally hit a line judge with a tennis ball Sunday. pic.twitter.com/TTstxZB2Jw

— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2020

“There is a rule in place for it. I think the supervisors and all of them are just doing their job. Very unlucky for Novak.

“He’s going to be a little bit upset about it. If he would have hit it anywhere else, if it would have landed anywhere else, we are talking about a few inches, he would have been fine.” Former women’s world number one Tracy Austin said the disqualification was justified.

“Right call! Stunning to watch this unfold. Hope lines person ok...#crazyturnofevents,” Austin wrote on Twitter.

Novak Djokovic apologises to the lineswoman as she gets back to her feet. Picture: Getty Images

Djokovic had been chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center.

He was hoping to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men’s Slam singles title record.

Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

— WITH AFP