Add this to the list of bizarre things we’ve seen in 2020.
Novak Djokovic, the No. 1 men’s tennis player in the world was disqualified from the U.S. Open on Sunday in his fourth-round matchup with Pablo Carreno Busta after he struck a ball that inadvertently hit a lineswoman in the neck.
The undefeated 33-year-old just had his serve broken and swatted a ball he pulled out of his pocket without looking toward the line judge, who did not see it coming, and was struck by the ball, collapsing to the ground.
Djokovic, who hit a ball off the wall earlier in the match out of anger, threw his hand up – signaling it was an accident – and immediately walked over to check on the woman, who remained on the ground for several minutes.
The official left the court and appeared to be okay.
Djokovic, the chair umpire and other tournament officials then convened for a discussion, and while Djokovic pled his case, he was ultimately defaulted from the tournament. The top-ranked player was trailing 5-6 in the first set.
“It’s tough for you, whatever call you make, I understand,” Djokovic told the officials, according to Tennis Channel producer Jonathan Scott.
The Grand Slam rules prohibit players from abuse of balls as well as unsportsmanlike conduct.
The USTA released a statement on Djokovic, who will lose all ranking points and receive a fine.
Djokovic also apologized via Instagram.
Djokovic has won five of the last seven Grand Slam singles and his disqualification means that there will be a first-time Grand Slam men’s singles championship at this year’s U.S. Open.
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