Sports

Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Disqualified From U.S. Open

The tennis player struck a lineswoman with a ball during Sunday play at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia walks off the court after being defaulted due to inadvertently striking a lineswoman with a ball hit in frustration during his Men's Singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia walks off the court after being defaulted due to inadvertently striking a lineswoman with a ball hit in frustration during his Men's Singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY — Novak Djokovic, the world's number one ranked tennis player, has been disqualified from the United States Open after striking a lineswoman with a tennis ball.

Djokovic used his racket to hit the ball hit in frustration during his men's singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.

The lineswoman remained on the ground for several minutes, according to a Tennis.com report. Djokovic immediately walked over to her and offered help. Video of the incident shows the strike was apparently unintentional.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia tends to a lineswoman after inadvertently striking her with a ball hit in frustration during his Men's Singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

The United States Tennis Association cited its rule book in issuing Djokovic the default.

"Because he was defaulted, Djokovic will lose all ranking points earned at the U.S. Open and will be fined the prize money won at the tournament in addition to any or all fines levied with respect to the offending incident," the USTA said in a statement.

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