In what seemed like creating one’s own destruction, Novak Djokovic got himself disqualified from the 2020 US Open in dramatic fashion. The 33-year-old who’s undefeated this year, is now out of a grand slam for accidentally hitting a lineswoman due to frustration. 

After being broken by his Spanish opponent Pablo Carreno Busta in the first set, Djokovic could not hide his temper and it flowed out in a costly manner. The Serb vented his anger by hitting the ball, which unfortunately hit a lineswoman firmly on the neck. 

The tournament officials were helpless and had to default, Djokovic, who pleaded his case for several minutes. He tried to defend himself to the umpires by trying to lighten the severity of the situation.

“She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this,” Djokovic said, as per Ben Rothberg. Moreover, the 17-time grand slam champ tried to calm down the officials by explaining what’s at stake for him. “You’re going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, center stage.”

No matter the amount of desperation Novak showed, the umpires weren’t convinced about letting him go. In fact, the lineswoman went to the ground after taking the hit, which escalates the gravity of the situation even higher. “If she would have gotten up right away…” ATP vice president reportedly said. 

And just like that, by getting defaulted, Djokovic ended his 29-0 streak. Most importantly constructed the path for tennis history. For the first time since 2016, there is a guaranteed winner in men’s grand slams other than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. 

Did Pablo Carreno Busta forsee his victory against Novak Djokovic 

Ahead of the game, Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta spoke with enormous confidence to the media. He did however mention that Djokovic might experience a bad day, which indeed is true now. Here’s what Busta said: 

“Novak is playing amazing tennis. Probably the hardest task at this moment, but there are always options. Maybe he will have a bad day. Key for me is to be absolutely focused, especially in the beginning of the match,” the 29-year-old said. 

This victory also marks Busta’s first-ever triumph against the World #1. In their last three meetings, Djokovic had comfortably cruised past Busta. But this victory in the US Open R16 against the Serb will be an unforgettable one for the Spaniard. 

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