Novak Djokovic Disqualified From U.S. Open After Accidentally Hitting Line Judge in Throat With Tennis Ball

Novak Djokovic is disqualified.

The No. 1-ranked men’s player has been disqualified from the 2020 U.S. Open after accidentally hitting a lineswoman with a ball during a fit of anger mid-game against Pablo Carreño Busta on Sunday (September 6).

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Novak was a favorite to win in the men’s singles tournament, and was down 5-6 in the first set against Pablo Carreño Busta.

Right before, on the second point, he fell to the ground after chasing a shot and was seen holding onto his left shoulder. Frustrated, he walked to the sideline and launched the ball behind him, accidentally hitting the umpire. She was hit in the throat, and dropped to the ground at the back of the court.

He appeared visibly stunned and walked towards her to check on her condition. Officials discussed for several minutes, and decided to default the player, who shook hands with opponent Pablo, who advanced to the quarterfinals.

The disqualification also means there will be a first-time Grand Slam men’s singles champion at the U.S. Open this year.

“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,” the USTA said in a statement.

Back in May, Novak came under fire when he broke social distancing rules in Spain and he also made controversial comments back in April about the coronavirus vaccine.

Novak would later test positive for coronavirus, releasing an apology, saying that he was wrong to set up a tour amid the pandemic.