In an extraordinary development world No.1 Novak Djokovic has been defaulted from his fourth round match at the US Open.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion was playing on the Arthur Ashe Arena against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta before disaster struck towards the end of the opening set. After squandering three break points whilst leading 5-4 to win the opener, a serious incident occurred a game later. Out of frustration Djokovic, who also hurt his left shoulder during the match, slammed a ball behind him which hit a lines judge in the throat who was instantly floored to the ground.
Djokovic never intentionally meant to hit the official and rushed over to see how she was as soon as the incident occurred. However, in accordance with the rulebook a player can be disqualified from a match for such behaviour regardless of if their action had been intentional or not. Triggering flashbacks to the 2012 Queen’s final in London when David Nalbandian kicked a wooden border that broke and injured a line judge.
“Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site,” the official rule states.
“In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this section shall also constitute the major offence of ‘Aggravated Behaviour.’
“For the purposes of this rule, physical abuse is the unauthorised touching of an official, opponent, spectator or other person.”
In the aftermath of the incident, both Djokovic and Carreno Busta held lengthy discussions with tournament officials. The top seed was heard saying ‘It’s tough for you, whatever call you make, I understand.’ Shortly after he was defaulted from a match for the first time in his entire career.
As a result of the disqualification no member of the Big Four will feature in the semi-finals of a grand slam for the first time since the 2004 French Open. Paving way for a new champion in Flushing Meadows this year.
