‘So unintended, I’m so sorry’: Djokovic disqualified from US Open - how the tennis world reacted

World No.1 is out of the New York grand slam after hitting line judge with a ball

Novak Djokovic tends to a line judge who was hit with the ball during his US Open clash against Pablo Carreno Busta
(Image credit: Al Bello/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has apologised for hitting a line judge with a ball at the US Open - an incident that saw the men’s world No.1 tennis player disqualified from the tournament.

With no Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer at this year’s event, Djokovic was the overwhelming favourite to win the New York title and take his career grand slam tally to 18. However, his chances of reining in Nadal (on 19) and Federer (on 20) are over for now following the default.

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Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.