World number one Novak Djokovic is out of the US Open after being defaulted for hitting a line judge with a ball. Djokovic was playing his fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta and was broken to be on the brink of losing the first set.
In frustration, the Serb hit a spare ball away and accidentally struck the female official.
The Serbian was the overwhelming favourite to win the 2020 US Open, particularly given the absences of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
However, there will now be a new men’s Grand Slam winner with Djokovic dramatically disqualified.
The tournament referee was called onto court immediately with the lineswomen in some distress, and appeared to inform Djokovic immediately of the decision, which is in line with the tournament rules.
“She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this,” Djokovic told him, trying to plead to be allowed to continue.
“You’re going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, center stage”
“If she would have gotten up right away… You have a game penalty, set penalty, many options.”
