NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic was dramatically disqualified from the United States Open on Sunday (Monday in Manila) after accidentally striking a female lines judge with a ball in frustration during his last-16 match, sending shock waves through the tournament. After a few minutes she got up and walked off the court looking dazed. Around 10 minutes of discussions then ensued between Djokovic and the tournament referee Soeren Friemel, during which the No. Referee Friemel said Djokovic told him he should not be defaulted because it was unintentional. Friemel said he agreed there was no intent, but that it was a clear-cut case of Djokovic hitting the ball “angrily and recklessly.”“She was clearly hurt and in pain.

Source: Manila Times September 07, 2020 16:41 UTC