US Open 2020: Novak Djokovic OUT of US Open due to Code of Conduct violation

Novak Djokovic had a really disappointing outing against Pablo Carreno Busta. The World No.1 was playing the round of 16 match when he went on to hit a ball to an unaware lineswoman. After a long discussion that involved Djokovic, he was forced to concede

The cameras were not able to get the ball hitting but her voices of coughing and grunting were heard. The Serb rushed to her aid followed by the chair umpire who went to assess the situation.

The medic team called on the court

The commentators called it “peculiar and dramatic” as Novak Djokovic walked out of the court. Novak was surely devastated as he was one of the main contenders. The rules are crystal clear than no player can hit anyone, be it ball kid, lines person or umpire.

The woman was breathless as she gasped for air. Her face mask was removed to assess the degree of damage. Novak rushing to her aid. She was screaming “Ow…Oh’ as she was breathless choking and grunting. The medical help was called and the chair umpire rushed to see the situation.

What led to the frustration?

Novak was trailing 0-30 on his serve. It was 5-5 in the opening set when the Serb took a hard fall on the court. To make things worse his left shoulder was in terrible pain. He asked for a medic on court and after a brief pause the play resumed.

Yet Novak seemed in pain. He was not able to hit any double handed backhands and after winning a point on volley he was broken. Novak went on to smash a ball on the side. As he headed for his chair, he passed a ball that hit the lineswoman.

After few minutes of horror, the woman got up and left the court. The tournament organizer was called and a long conversation followed.

Novak is injured and how

The whole issue may have taken away the attention from the fact that maybe Novak Djokovic would’ve lost by conceding. The Serb did not hit a single backhand in the three points he played after the fall. Soon he did a terrible mistake that defaulted the match.

The Serb is someone who is known for temperamental issues. He is surely animated at court but such behaviour is surely not a first for him, that too which costed him a potential slam.

Novaks’ Statement while other players speak out

“She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this. You’re going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, center stage” says the world no.1 after a default broke his unbeaten run in 2020.

“Players have been defaulted for less,” said Darren Cahill, the veteran coach who was sitting courtside in Arthur Ashe Stadium covering the match for ESPN. “I think the tournament made the right decision.” he added.

With this sudden exit, he loses his unbeaten streak. Only Novak could stop himself. The Serbian will surely regret this terrible mistake.

Also Read: US Open 2020: “She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this,” Novak Djokovic after hitting the line judge