Novak Djokovic got himself disqualified from the 2020 U.S. Open after hitting a lineswoman on Sunday, September 6, 2020.
Djokovic accidentally hit the official with a ball during a fit of anger in his game against Pablo Cerreno Busta.
Novak was a favorite to win in the men’s singles tournament, and was down 5-6 in the first set against his opponent.
Right before the second point, Djokovic fell to the ground after chasing a shot and was spotted holding his left shoulder. Apparently frustrated, the sportsman walked to the sideline and threw the ball before him, unintentionally hitting the umpire.
The official was hit in the throat and she dropped to the ground at the back of the court.
Stunned by his actions, Djokovic walked towards her to check on her condition. After talking among themselves for a few minutes, the other officials made the decision to disqualify him, making his opponent, Pablo advance to the quarterfinals.
Issuing a statement about the disqualification, the USTA said:
“In accordance with the Grand Slam rulebook, following his actions of intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences, the US Open tournament referee defaulted Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open. 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.”
