The United States Tennis Association has issued a statement concerning Novak Djokovic’s controversial exit from the US Open and the punishment he faces.
The world No.1 has been defaulted from his fourth round match after inadvertently hitting a lineswoman with a ball in the throat. Making it the first time in Djokovic’s career he has ever been punished this way. The US Open has confirmed that the Serbian will lose all of his ranking points and prize money earned in the tournament. Those who reach the fourth round of the US Open receive at least $250,000 in earnings but the winner takes home $3 million.
“In accordance with the Grand Slam rulebook, following his actions of intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences, the US Open tournament referee defaulted Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open. Because he was defaulted, Djokovic will lose all ranking points earned at the US Open and will be fined the prize money won at the tournament in addition to any or all fines levied with respect to the offending incident.” A statement reads.
Djpokovic will also be issued with an additional fine on top of what has been outlined by the USTA. Following the match he reportedly left the Billie Jean King Tennis Center less than an hour after and skipped his press conference. An action that triggers a mandatory fine, but it is unclear as to how much the penalty will be.
“Djokovic has departed the site and he will not be doing press this evening,” a WhatsApp message from the US Open confirmed.
Pablo Carreno Busta, who is through to the US Open quarter-finals for the second time in his career, says he was left ‘shocked’ by the situation that unfolded on the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard said at first he was unsure of what had happened.
“I didn’t watch the moment when he threw the ball. I was looking at my coach, celebrating the break. When I turned back again, the line umpire was on the floor.” He said.
“I’m very apprehensive with these kind of things, so I was a little bit in shock.’
“I asked the Colombian guys who were in the crowd if the ball hit the line umpire. I never expected this moment playing against Novak, you know. So it was also a tough moment for me.”
Djokovic or a member of his team is yet to comment on his disqualification from the tournament.
