“I paid a big consequence for my mistake,” says Novak Djokovic on his U.S Open disqualification

“I paid a big consequence for my mistake,” says Novak Djokovic on his U.S Open disqualification
Line Judge (left), Novak Djokovic (right)

With a Grand Slam record in sight and a game that is very difficult to punch holes in, the World No.1 headed on to the U.S Open 2020 after not having lost a match this season.

Djokovic wanted to add another title to his mantle earned this year. With the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dropping out, it didn’t seem like it could go any other way. 

Alas, an unfortunate incident that occurred in the 4th round of U.S Open led to the Serb’s disqualification and put an end to his winning streak. He inadvertently hit a line judge with a ball after losing his serve to his opponent, Pablo Carreno Busta.

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Novak Djokovic reflects on his U.S Open disqualification

Novak Djokovic

In an interview after the Serbian’s 1st round win, he was asked, “Novak, your level of tennis is so high. You won the tournament in Rome. I think it’s fair to say that what happened in New York, you’ve put it aside. And you’re not thinking about that at all anymore.”

Djokovic said, “Yes. You know I’ve said obviously what I think about this whole incident. It was obviously my mistake. I should not have done that. But it happened and I paid unfortunately the big consequence and was disqualified from the tournament.”

Being respectful to the line judge who was hurt, the World No.1 acknowledged the unfortunate situation and accepted his mistake whilst still making his shock regarding the situation crystal clear, “But again, it was a bit of a shock for me and my team obviously and a lot of people. For about a week you know I was kind of…I came back home and spent some quality time with the family and just you know started training on clay. I think it was very very good and positive for me that I had Rome so soon after that happened in New York so I could just reset my mind. And everything went well.”

After having taken a hard look at himself and how he needs to deal with overwhelming emotions on court, Djokovic seems to be looking ahead. 

Also Read: Rafael Nadal replies to Novak Djokovic’s “Beatable on Clay” Comment