Novak Djokovic out of US Open after hitting lineswoman in the throat (Video)
Novak Djokovic goes out in the fourth round after accidentally injuring a lineswoman with a ball to the throat. Officials called the decision for the default loss to Pablo Carreno Busta.
This is not the way Novak Djokovic wanted to go out of the U.S. Open. The overwhelming favorite who seemed to be on his way to securing his 18th grand slam—just one behind Rafa Nadal and two from Roger Federer—faced Busta in the Round of 16. The Spanish player held his own against the world No. 1, which irritated the Djokovic. He also took a nasty fall that triggered a shoulder injury. And then he was broken, which is when things derailed rapidly from there.
Bad fall by Djokovic during his match gains Pablo Carreno Busta in the first set. pic.twitter.com/h6C5VFRukM
— TENNISMEDIA (@luciahoff) September 6, 2020
He had already hit a ball aggressively against the wall, near the stands, but he no harm was done and he didn’t receive a warning. With tension mounting in the match, he hit a ball out of anger to the back of the court out of frustration, which landed at the lineswoman’s throat. It was clearly an accident, the Serbian player obviously had no intention of hurting anyone. Judging from his reaction, he clearly didn’t factor that she was there, but the lineswoman fell down and took a while to get back on her feet, with Djokovic rushing over to help her out and make sure she was ok.
Vide of the Djokovic incident for those asking. https://t.co/JPF5TVSY5J
— Live Tennis (@livetennis) September 6, 2020
However, officials headed over and had to make the call for the default. The rules in tennis are very strict about injuries to those working the courts. It’s a terrible situation for all. Djokovic spoke at length with the tournament officials on the court, but the inevitable decision was called. The 17-time grand slam champion went over to Pablo Carreno Busta, sitting on the sidelines while the drama unfurled, to congratulate him, 5-6 (ret).
It’s a terrible blow for the world No. player, who has suffered his share of controversies lately, including his stance on vaccines, his Adria Tour that resulted in a coronavirus outbreak, and resigning from the ATP as President to start his own union, the last two initiatives with the best of intentions.
With Djokovic out in a shock exit, it opens up the field of players. This will be the first time that someone not named Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic will win the U.S. Open on the men’s side in quite some time.
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