With the tennis fans gluing their eyes to their television screens for Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem Aussie Open finals, the 16-time Grand Slam champion began having a tough time in the match after receiving two time-violations in the same game of the second set. 

In the heat of the moment at Australian Open 2020 finals, Novak Djokovic was serving to take a 5-4 lead in the second set, but two time-violations cost him a set. The defending champion was given the first warning while serving at 4-4 (30-15*) in the second set. Failing to hit a drop shot, at that instant, Thiem earned two break points at 4-4 (40-15*).

As the second time-violation bounced upon Djokovic, his first serve was annulled. He started off the point with his second serve and landed up committing a forehand unforced error and broke himself. After losing his serve at 5-4, World Number two Novak Djokovic exchanged a sardonic gesture with the umpire.

Novak congratulated the chair umpire Damien Dumusois’ on his call. He also touched his foot several times and said, “you made yourself famous. Especially with the second one. Great job.”

After those violations were imposed, Djokovic dropped six consecutive games in the Grand Slam final.

According to the Grand Slam rulebook, touching the chair umpire can be considered as “physical abuse”, and a fine of up to $20,000 can be imposed. “Physical abuse is the unauthorized touching of an official, opponent, spectator or other people.”

Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem: One-set all at Australian Open 2020 finals

In the first set, both Djokovic and Thiem exchanged breaks. The Serb led by 3-0, but with Thiem’s relentless hitting the one-sided set was balanced at 4-4. With Thiem double-faulting in the final game of the opening set’s set point, the Serb sealed it 6-4 in 52 minutes. It was Thiem’s first double fault of the championship match.

The Austrian debutant in the Melbourne finals, Thiem was not losing hope against the seven-time Australian Open champion. He ameliorated his serves in the second set, led by an early break at 2-1 and cautiously tackled his service games. By patiently holding on to his serves, Thiem pulled off the second set 6-4.