Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after accidentally hitting judge with ball

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

(NEW YORK) Novak Djokovic, the men's world No. 1, was removed from competition at the U.S. Open on Sunday after he accidentally struck a judge with a ball.

He was playing against Pablo Carreno Busta at Arthur Ashe Stadium and had just lost a game in the first set, according to the Associated Press. As he walked to the sideline, he hit a ball toward the backline, which ultimately struck a line judge.

According to the announcers, the ball struck the line judge in the throat, causing her to drop to her feet.

Based on Djokovic's reaction in the video, he didn't intend to hit the judge, but players who strike a ball in frustration that hits a judge previously have been defaulted, the tennis term for disqualified, according to the AP.

After discussing the matter with other judges after the foul, Djokovic moved to shake his opponent's hand and the chair umpire announced the default.

The U.S. Tennis Association released a statement shortly after the end of the game explaining the rules behind Djokovic's removal.

The USTA said:

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.

Djokovic started the tennis season 26-0 and his disqualification means the eventual winner of the men's U.S. Open will be someone who has never won a Grand Slam title before, the AP reports.

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