Djokovic fined $10,000 for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’

Novak Djokovic’s has been fined an additional $10,000 (£7,600) for “unsportsmanlike behaviour” following his dramatic disqualification from the US Open on Sunday night.

Djokovic, who has already been stripped of his $250,000 (£190,000) in prize money for reaching the last-16, was given a further punishment by tournament organisers for his actions on court against Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

He could yet face a further fine for his decision to skip media duties following his default.

The world No 1 was broken for 5-6 in the opening set and petulantly swiped a ball away that struck a female line judge, Laura Clark, in the throat.

Djokovic pleaded his case for leniency to tournament officials but referee Soeren Friemel, who was summoned onto court inside the deserted Arthur Ashe Stadium by umpire Aurelie Tourte, told Djokovic, after plenty of debate, that there was no option but to disqualify him.

After Djokovic left the Flushing Meadows facility and refused to take part in his press commitments, the United States Tennis Association released a statement on his default.

“In accordance with the Grand Slam rulebook, following his actions of intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences, the US Open tournament referee defaulted Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open,” it began.

“Because he was defaulted, Djokovic will lose all ranking points earned at the US Open and will be fined the prize money won at the tournament in addition to any or all fines levied with respect to the offending incident.”

Djokovic eventually went on to address the matter himself with a statement on his social media.

He wrote: “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 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.

“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.”