Novak Djokovic Booted From US Open After Hitting Line Judge With A Ball

Novak Djokovic has been disqualified from the US Open after hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball.

The world number one was undefeated in 2020 to this point, but it looks like that streak has some to a devastating end after an ugly incident at Flushing Meadows.

And while Djokovic was clearly incensed by his barring, the tennis world was divided in opinion too - some claiming the Serbian had hit the ball out of anger and others saying it was a freak accident.

Either way, intentional or not, Djokovic ultimately defaulted the match and was booted from the competition.

The competition's top seed had just lost a game to Pablo Carreno Busta to fall behind 6-5 in the opening set of their fourth-round clash.

Clearly frustrated with his own performance, Djokovic's shoulders looked slumped and his head was bowed as he walked towards the baseline.

PA Images

But instead of gently returning the tennis balls to the ball boys and girls ahead of his serve, Djokovic rocketed one in the direction of a line judge which hit her square in the throat.

Hit with such power, the shot rocked the line judge as she dropped to her knees.

Seeing that she was clearly hurt, Djokovic stuck up his hand to apologise before walking over to check on her.

With medics attending to the wounded judge, Djokovic was seen muttering: "I'm sorry."

But it wasn't long before tournament referee Soeren Friemel entered the picture to talk to both players.

Djokovic pleaded his case with match umpires and the referee but his appeals fell on deaf ears.

"She doesn't have to go to the hospital for this," he said.

"You're going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, centre stage?

"If she would have gotten up right away..."

Novak

The Chair umpire then announced that he had been default and the match was subsequently called off.

Fans watching from across the globe were quick to criticise the controversial star, while others later came out in support of him.

For Djokovic on a personal level, though, the incident ends his stellar unbeaten run in 2020.

Topics: Tennis, Referees, Novak Djokovic, US Open, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry