World setter Novak Djokovic kicked a ball in frustration during the match against Pablo Carreño Busta in the fourth round of the US Open.
The ball hit a line judge on the neck, and Djokovic was washed.
Now Djokovic is ready for the Italian Open, and says that he will try to avoid repeating what happened in New York.
- I work as hard mentally and mentally as I work physically.
I try to be my best self both on and off the track and understand that I get outbursts.
He's the kind of person and player I've always been.
I will try to take this as an important lesson and something that I will take with me, he says, according to the news agency AP, and continues:
- I have learned now and I have talked to my team.
It was an unfortunate incident, but that's what happens.
You have to move on.
However, Djokovic acknowledges that the incident will remain in his consciousness for a long time.
- I do not think I will ever forget it, because it is such a thing that will be in the memory for the rest of my life.
But I do not think it will be a big problem for me to come back to the tour and play well and hit the tennis ball, he says.