Australian Open 2020 champion Novak Djokovic found himself in hot water after losing his cool and touching the chair umpire during Sunday's final in which he defeated Austria's Dominic Thiem to win his eighth title at Melbourne Park. He is likely to face a USD 30,000 fine for his action.
During the thrilling match in which he defeated Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 , the Serb tapped umpire Damien Dumusois on the foot twice after he was given two time violations for taking too long to serve. Djokovic walked over to Dumusois, touched his foot and said, “You made yourself famous in this match. Great job. Especially in the second one. Great job. You made yourself famous. Well done, man.”
The 17-time grand slam champion said that he didn't consider his gesture to be hostile and that it was a “friendly touch”. He added that though he should not have touched Dumusois, he doesn't think that he crossed a line and that he still disagrees with the umpire's decision.
Djokovic, who was struggling in the second set against Thiem when he was hit with the penalties, said that the second violation was not necessary and the umpire could have reacted “a little bit better”. However, he added that he was sorry if he offended the umpire or anyone else during the match. “Of course, I'm not happy I touched the chair umpire,” he said.
“I'm sorry if I offended him or anyone else but in the heat of a battle, some decisions that he makes or something that happens distracts you and sets you off the balance a little bit,” Djokovic said.
According to the official grand slam rule book, Djokovic faces a USD 20,000 (AUD 30,000) fine. “Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site. Violation of this section shall subject a player to a fine up to $US20,000 for each violation,” the rule states.
