Novak Djokovic urged his fans to be “supportive and caring” of the line judge at the centre of his US Open default row after she was attac...
Novak Djokovic urged his fans to be “supportive and caring” of the line judge at the centre of his US Open default row after she was attacked by online trolls.
Djokovic said the official, who was hit in the throat by a ball bashed away in anger by the world number one, had “done nothing wrong at all”.
Some critics on social media accused the line judge while there have been reports of fans targetting her Instagram account with abusive messages.
Djokovic was dramatically disqualified from the US Open on Sunday after accidentally striking a female lines judge with a ball in frustration during his last-16 match, sending shock waves through the tournament.
The world No 1 apologized for hitting the ball in disgust after losing his serve to go 6-5 down in the first set to Spain’s 20th seed Pablo Carreno Busta inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic appeared to be looking the other way when he pulled the ball from his pocket and smacked it in the direction of the official, hitting her full toss in the throat.
The official cried out and began gasping for air as she fell on the turf.
Djokovic rushed over to check on her, placing his hand on her back as she struggled to breathe. After a few minutes...
