World number one Novak Djokovic has issued a statement after being sensationally defaulted from the US Open for hitting a linesperson with a tennis ball.
Djokovic was defaulted during his fourth-round clash with Spanish 20th-seed Pablo Carreno Busta.
Down 6-5 in the first set, a clearly frustrated Djokovic hit a ball away towards the baseline but looking in the other direction.
The ball made direct contact with the throat of a linesperson who fell to the ground and required medical attention.
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HOLY CRAP. Djokovic defaulted after he inadvertently hits a ball and strikes a line judge in the neck. She had to leave. pic.twitter.com/BECdydrKFw
— Mark Armstrong (@ArmstrongABC11) September 6, 2020
After a period of consulation, the decision was made to disqualify Djokovic from the tournament.
In a statement, the USTA confirmed that Djokovic would also lose all ranking points and any prize money he received during his time at the US Open.
USTA statement on default of Novak Djokovic: pic.twitter.com/dqlt0mokg9
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2020
Djokovic did not do any media after the incident, being quickly whisked away by his entourage.
However, in the hours since the incident, Djokovic has issued a statement apologising to the linesperson.
He also vowed to reflect on the incident and use it as a chance to grow as a person.
"This whole situation has left me really sad and empty," Djokovic wrote.
"I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok.
"I‘m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.
"I’m not disclosing her name to respect her privacy.
"As for the disqualification, I need to go back within and work on my disappointment and turn this all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human being.
"I apologize to the @usopen tournament and everyone associated for my behavior.
"I’m very grateful to my team and family for being my rock support, and my fans for always being there with me.
"Thank you and I’m so sorry."
This US Open was Djokovic's best chance to win his 18th Grand Slam title with both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal choosing not to compete at the tournament.
Undefeated for the year, it was expected Djokovic would breeze through the tournament considering his scintillating form in 2020.
This isn't the first controversy that has surrounded Djokovic this year, forced to defend his actions again after the shambolic Adria Tour.
He has also come under fire from the likes of Federer and Nadal after setting up a new Men's tennis players association just before the US Open.
