In a strange turn of events, Novak Djokovic was defaulted from the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Sunday. Djokovic violated two specific codes in the International Tennis Federatio
n's Grand Slam Rulebook: 1.) Abuse of Balls and; 2.) Unsportsmanlike Conduct (https://www.itftennis.com/media/2510/2020-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf). Before discussing the rules violated, let's get into Djokovic's actions on the court.
Novak Djokovic was competing in the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Sunday, September 6, 2020. After losing three set points to Pablo Carreno Busta and landing on his left shoulder, Djokovic was visibly upset. He took his frustration out on a ball that he hit back at the line judge stationed behind him, which struck her directly in throat. The line judge fell to the ground, gasping for air and evidently in pain. Djokovic ran over to apologize and was then confronted and defaulted by tournament referee, Soeren Friemel.
Friemel noted that Novak Djokovic violated the following IFT Rules:
Abuse of Balls
"Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick, or throw a tennis ball within the precincts of the tournament site except in the reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including warm-up). Violation of this Section shall subject a player to fine up to $20,000 for each violation. In addition, if such violation occurs during a match (including the warmuP) the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
For purposes of this Rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences" (http://itf.uberflip.com/i/231525-grand-slam-rulebook-2014/29?).
2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
"Players shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights of opponents, spectators and others. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000 for each violation. In addition, if such violation occurs during a match (including the warmup), the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth. In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section shall also constitute the Major Offence of “Aggravated Behaviour” and shall be subject to the additional penalties hereinafter set forth. For the purposes of this Rule, Unsportsmanlike Conduct is defined as any misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the Sport. In addition, unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the giving, making, issuing, authorising or endorsing any public statement having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of the tournament and/or the officiating thereof" (https://www.itftennis.com/media/2495/grand-slam-rulebook-2020-f.pdf).
Djokovic did not respond to any press inquiries after leaving the court, but did make a public apology note via social media.