Novak Djokovic, world No. 1 and favorite of the US Open, was disqualified Sunday in the round of 16 for having sent a ball at a linesman, under the rules.
Who could stop Novak Djokovic from winning his 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open?
A few hours ago, probably no one.
But it is yet another player who will lift the cup because the world No. 1 was disqualified in the round of 16 Sunday on a gesture of humor.
"I have to do an introspection and work on my disappointment"
"Because he was disqualified, Djokovic will lose all ATP points earned at the US Open and will be fined the amount of his prize money in addition to any other fine that may be decided based on the incident," he said. specified the USTA.
End of the first set against Pablo Carreno (27th).
A ball hit by the Serbian without looking down the court will hit a linesman in the throat.
The judge screams and collapses, Djokovic rushes towards her.
She gets up, he goes to sit down.
But the rules are final: any player guilty of this type of gesture, even involuntarily, is excluded.
TENNIS: Thunderbolt at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic, world number 1 in the ATP ranking, has just been disqualified for throwing a ball at a linesman after a lost point.pic.twitter.com/ZZqVdSFaUu
- French Info (@InfosFrancaises) September 6, 2020
"I apologize to the US Open and to all those affected by my behavior (...) I'm sorry," wrote the tournament favorite who left the stadium without going to a press conference.
“I'm really sad and drained after this story. I checked in with the linesman and the tournament told me that thank God she's feeling good. I'm extremely sorry I caused her so much. stress. It was completely unintentional. It was absolutely bad, "continues the Serbian.
"As for my disqualification, I have to do an introspection and work on my disappointment in order to learn a lesson to move forward and develop as a tennis player and as a human being," he concludes.