Novak Djokovic urges his fans not to abuse line judge after US Open disqualification
World No1 accidentally struck Laura Clark with a ball that he hit in frustration after conceding a game on Sunday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic has asked his fans not to abuse the line judge at the centre of his US Open disqualification.
The world No1 was thrown out of the New York Grand Slam on Sunday night after he accidentally hit lineswoman Laura Clark with a ball after striking it out of annoyance.
Clark was stood at the back of the court and was struck in the throat as Djokovic showed his frustration during his fourth-round match with Pablo Carreno Busta.
She is reportedly bruised and was heard gasping for air after the incident, but has been targeted by Djokovic’s angry fans online who accused her exaggerating her reaction.
Djokovic tweeted: “Dear #NoleFam thank you for your positive messages.. Please also remember the linesperson that was hit by the ball last night needs our community’s support too.
“She’s done nothing wrong at all. I ask you to stay especially supportive and caring to her during this time.
“From these moments, we grow stronger and we rise above. Sharing love with everyone. Europe here I come.”
Clark was not at the Flushing Meadows site on Monday.
A US Open spokesman said on Monday of the line judge's condition: “The line umpire who was struck by the ball is resting comfortably in the hotel today and is under the observation of the tournament doctor and will return to work when she and the doctor feel it is appropriate.”
In addition to forfeiting his entire prize money of $250,000 (approximately £190,000), Djokovic has also been fined an additional $10,000 dollars (approximately £7,000) for not attending a mandatory press conference after the match in which the incident occurred.
Instead, the Serb quickly left the tournament grounds and posted a carefully crafted apology on Instagram.
He said: “This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling okay.
“I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.
“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.
“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.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments