Novak Djokovic and his petulant tendencies flirted with disaster once too often on Sunday night when he was sensationally defaulted from the US Open.
The world number one was kicked out of Flushing Meadows as, in a flash of temper that has become too common, he angrily swiped a ball away that struck a female line judge in the throat.
Massive favourite for the tournament, the 33 year-old Serb had already been showing signs at frustration at the resistance being put up by Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta when he was broken for 5-6 in the opening set.
While clearly not aiming for her, the ball hit the official, who keeled over. The rules are quite clear: he had to go.
Referee Soeren Friemel was summoned onto court inside the deserted Arthur Ashe Stadium by umpire Aurelie Tourte. Djokovic was told, after plenty of debate, that there was no option.
He could be heard pleading for leniency, all to no avail.
“She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this,” he said as he stood at the net, a shocked look across his face. “You’re going to choose a default in this situation? My career, Grand Slam, centre stage?”
