“Going to be extra careful of hitting tennis balls around the court this time,” says Novak Djokovic


“Going to be extra careful of hitting tennis balls around the court this time,” says Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

In the French Open 2020 Press Conference held on Saturday, World No.1 Novak Djokovic claimed that he won’t allow for a duplication of the U.S Open incident which lead to his disqualification.

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Djokovic is currently en route to adding another grand slam title to his collection. Most believe that this feat would’ve already been achieved at the U.S Open 2020 if it weren’t for Djokovic’s disqualification. To everyone’s dismay, the Serbian was disqualified in the fourth round against Pablo Carreño Busta. During the match, the Serbian had inadvertently hit a ball towards the line judge who got the blow in her throat.

Line Judge (left), Novak Djokovic (right)

This disqualification put a permanent halt to some other records that Serbian very well may have achieved. Djokovic had gone undefeated in the year 2020 until the unfortunate incident. Starting with the Serbian’s win at the ATP Cup, he went on to win every match he played henceforth.

Being ousted from the U.S Open, Djokovic was handed his first loss in the year 2020 and took away the chances of him equalling his long-time rival Rafael Nadal’s grand slam record of 19 by the year-end. 

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Also Read: Novak’s wife shares an emotional drawing of Djokovic by a fan, after Novak’s disqualification

Novak Djokovic’s statements regarding his on-court behaviour

Novak Djokovic

In response to what to expect from his upcoming demeanor during French Open 2020, Djokovic said, “Well, obviously I am going to be extra careful of hitting a tennis ball around the court.”

“That’s something that is staying in my mind after what happened in New York. It’s going to stay there for a long time. Of course, I will make sure I don’t make the same mistake twice. I really want to be my best version as a player, as a human being on the court, and win a tennis match,” he further added.

On account of his U.S Open disqualification, Djokovic stated, “It is what it is. I don’t think significantly it (the disqualification) does impact me (or) that I’m unable now to show the fist pump or scream or something like that. It has happened in Rome already and everything is fine.” 

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The Serb seems to have come to terms with how to display his emotions on the court so that it doesn’t affect anyone negatively. He will continue to try and motivate himself during his Roland Garros 2020 run.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s US Open disqualification right decision, says Tim Henman