World No.1 Novak Djokovic has apologised to the chair umpire for touching his feet during the high-spirited Australian Open 2020 finals against Dominic Thiem.
According to the 7News Melbourne, Djokovic has also escaped the sanction for making contact with the chair umpire Damien Dumusois at the Rod Laver Arena. Furthermore, he avoids the hefty $US20,000 fine and will not have any case to answer.
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“Sometimes you do things you’re not happy with”: Djokovic
The 32-year-old lost his cool when he received consecutive time violations in the one game for surpassing the 25-second shot clock while serving. As the score levelled at 4-4 in the second set, the second penalty came on the break point and cost Djokovic his first serve. As a result, the Serbian lost the game and lost his serve, eventually losing the set.
An animated Djokovic walked past the umpire’s chair during the change of sides and tapped his shoes. “You made yourself famous in this match. Great job. Especially in the second one. Great job. You made yourself famous. Well done man,” Djokovic exclaimed sarcastically.
“In a professional sport, things happen that obviously, you’re not proud of,” he said in an interview with 7News on Monday.
He further apologised and said: “Sometimes you do things that you’re not happy with and you go through different emotions, you go through ups and downs. Of course, I’m not happy that I touched the chair umpire. And I’m sorry if I offended him or anybody else.”
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“He could have reacted a little bit better”: Novak Djokovic
However, Djokovic still believed he didn’t overstep during his volatile behaviour during the match. He explained that in the heat of the battle, some decisions that he makes or some decision that happens just distracts you and sets you off the balance a little bit.
“The first one, fine, no problem,” he said. “The second one, it’s just not necessary under the circumstances for an experienced chair umpire.”
“I thought probably he, in my opinion, could have reacted a little bit better in that situation. These kinds of things in games switch the momentum of the match,” he concluded.
The official Grand Slam rules suggest that the players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or another person within the precincts of the tournament site. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $US20,000 for each violation.
