Novak Djokovic’s experiences at the US Open have been very much a mixed bag, with the Serbian icon enduring one of the lowest points of his legendary career in New York
Novak Djokovic’s frantic bid to escape his infamous US Open disqualification fell flat – with Boris Becker branding it the « worst moment of his career. » The Serbian legend is currently battling in the 2025 edition of the Grand Slam, though he’s undoubtedly had at least one nightmare moment at the tournament previously.
Four of Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam crowns have come in New York. It remains the final major he claimed back in 2023, yet despite the joy he’s savoured at Flushing Meadows, the 38-year-old suffered precisely the reverse whilst featuring in the 2020 championship.
His quest for glory that year reached a stunning conclusion after he was thrown out of the event for inadvertently striking the line judge with a stray ball. During his fourth-round clash against Pablo Carreno Busta, an exasperated Djokovic hammered a ball across the court after having his serve broken to leave him behind his rival 6-5 in the opening set.
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The ball struck the lineswoman, who collapsed to the ground in pain. Djokovic instantly rushed to say sorry to the line judge as he attended to her.
Nevertheless, his compassionate response wasn’t sufficient to retain his place in the tournament as he was expelled following lengthy discussions between US Open officials. Along with his removal, he forfeited all ranking points he accumulated during the tournament and had the prize money he had thus far secured taken away.
Despite Djokovic’s impassioned plea to referee Soeren Friemel and supervisor Andreas Egli, which lasted over 10 minutes on the court, his banishment was upheld. Friemel explained: « His point was that he didn’t hit the line umpire intentionally.
« He said, ‘Yes, I was angry, I hit the ball, I hit the line umpire, the facts are very clear, but it wasn’t my intent, I didn’t do it on purpose, so I shouldn’t be defaulted for that.’
« We all agreed that he didn’t do it on purpose but the facts are still that he hit the line umpire and that the line umpire was clearly hurt, » he added. Djokovic later took to social media to publicly apologise to the line judge and vowed to improve himself both as an athlete and a person.
« This whole situation has left me really sad and empty, » he penned. « I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok. I’m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong. I’m not disclosing her name to respect her privacy.
« As for the disqualification, I need to go back within and work on my disappointment and turn this all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human being. »
He further stated: « I apologise to the US Open tournament and everyone associated for my behaviour. I’m very grateful to my team and family for being my rock support, and my fans for always being there with me. Thank you and I’m so sorry. »
Becker – who mentored Djokovic for three seasons – confessed his astonishment at his former student’s disqualification. « I’m as shocked as anybody, » the German legend expressed while serving as an analyst for Eurosport.
« Novak and me go way back. We call each other family. This is probably the most difficult moment in his entire professional life. He did break the rule, the decision is correct. »
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