Novak Djokovic’s stunning US Open default could have been avoided… if he had listened to previous warnings about his conduct.
Djokovic, the world No. 1 from Serbia, saw his 26-match winning run brought to a halt in the most remarkable of circumstances as he hit a ball in anger, which arrowed into the throat of a line judge.
He has had close shaves in the past.
At the 2016 French Open, he threw a racquet behind him which would have hit an official had the quick-thinking line judge not moved out of its path – he went on to win the tournament.
Later that year, he hit a ball into the stands in the ATP Finals at the O2 Arena during a match with Dominic Thiem.
Afterwards, he had a heated exchange with a reporter after the ball narrowly missed fans and he avoided a default.
A reporter asked Djokovic: ‘Does it concern you one day that will cost you dearly? If you hit someone…’
‘You guys are unbelievable,’ replied Djokovic. ‘You’re always picking these kind of things. I’m the only player that shows his frustration on the court? That’s what you are saying?
‘It’s not an issue for me. It’s not the first time I did it.’
When it was put to him that he could have caused someone harm, Djokovic sarcastically repliedd: ‘It could have been, yes. It could have snowed in the O2 Arena as well, but it didn’t.’
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