US Open: Tennis world reacts to Djokovic’s disqualification

In a sensational turn of events at the US Open, Novak Djokovic was disqualified from the grand slam event after he hit a line judge in the throat with a ball during his match against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta on Sunday.

The men’s world number one, who was aiming to close in on Roger Federer’s record of 20 grand slam titles, issued an apology for his behaviour, adding that the incident had left him “sad and empty”. Following his disqualification, Djokovic said he would work on his disappointment and turn it into a lesson “for my growth and evolution as a player and human being”.

The tennis world reacted to the Serb’s disqualification, with his fourth round opponent Busta saying he was “in shock”. The Spaniard said it was clear that Djokovic did not intend to hit the judge, but agreed that “rules are rules”.

“I think this was not intentional. I don’t think that any one of us, the players, do this (intentionally),” Busta told reporters.

“It’s just I broke his serve and he threw the ball. I think that it was bad luck, no? You cannot do this, but of course I think that Novak never, never wants to hit the line umpire. I’m so sorry about that, because it’s not the way that I want to be in (the) quarterfinals.”

As per the grand slam rules, “Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.

“The referee, in consultation with the Grand Slam chief of supervisors may declare a default for either a single violation of this code.”

Former champion Martina Navratilova took to Twitter to say that what happened on court was “unbelievable”.

“Unbelievable what just happened on the court at the @usopen - Novak Djokovic defaulted for inadvertently but stupidly hitting a lineswoman in the throat with a ball and the officials had no choice but to default. Wow… #sad Glad the woman is ok- we must do better than that,” the 18-times grand slam singles champion tweeted.

Another tennis legend, 12-times grand slam champion Billie Jean King said that the default was “the right call”.

“Here are my thoughts on the Novak Djokovic default. First I hope the line judge is okay. The rule is the rule. It is unfortunate for everyone involved, but in this specific situation the default was the right call.”

Former women’s world number one and two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin called it a “crazy turn of events”, and said that it was the right call. She added that a new “major” champion will be crowned for the first time.

“Right call! Stunning to watch this unfold. Hope lines person ok. @DjokerNole clear favorite to win 18th GS-shrink margin behind Rafa/Roger. Seems only way ND loses. New 1st time MAJOR champion will be crowned. #crazyturnofevents,” she tweeted.

Nick Kyrgios, who has relentlessly tried to hold Djokovic accountable for organising the Adria Tour, posted a poll on Twitter asking followers to choose how many years the Australian would be banned for if he had accidentally hit someone in the throat.

“Swap me for jokers incident. ‘Accidentally hitting the ball kid in the throat’ how many years would I be banned for?” he wrote on Twitter, giving ‘5’, ‘10’, and ‘20’ as options to vote on.