World number one, Novak Djokovic had been disqualified from the 2020 US Open following a dramatic fourth-round match against Pablo Carreno Busta on Sunday. It is the first time in his career that Djokovic has been disqualified.
The three-time champion and world no. 1 had the opening set in his hands, serving well and creating four break chances in games eight and ten. Pablo fended off three set points at 4-5, gathering momentum and stealing Novak’s serve in game 11 to move 6-5 in front.
Angry at himself, Novak accidentally slammed the ball into a lines judge’s throat, knocking her on the floor and getting disqualified from the tournament as a result.
Novak had won all previous 26 matches in 2020, seeking the 18th Major title in New York but having to wait until Roland Garros for that. Earlier in the tournament, Djokovic took down Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in an hour and 43 minutes to advance into the fourth round, hitting 34 winners and 23 unforced errors.
