Novak Djokovic begged not to be disqualified at US Open in 'worst moment of his career'

Novak Djokovic failed in his desperate attempt to avoid his US Open disqualification which was described by Boris Becker as the "worst moment of his career". The Serbian icon is currently competing in the 2025 edition of the Grand Slam, having reached the round of 16 after a dominant 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3 victory over Cameron Norrie in the third round on Friday.

But he's certainly had at least one forgettable moment at the tournament in the past. Four of Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam titles were won in New York and remains the last major he won back in 2023, but despite the elation he's experienced at Flushing Meadows, the 38-year-old endured just the opposite while competing in the 2020 tournament. His campaign came to a shocking end after he was disqualified from the event when accidentally hitting the line judge with a loose ball.

It was during his fourth round match-up against Pablo Carreno Busta that a frustrated Djokovic smashed a ball down the court after having his serve broken to leave him trailing his opponent 6-5 in the first test. The ball connected with the lineswoman who fell to the floor in agony.

Djokovic immediately went to apologise to the line judge as he tended to her. However, his caring manner wasn't enough to keep him in the tournament as he was disqualified following a long deliberation between US Open officials. Alongside his ejection, he lost all ranking points he earned during the tournament while being fined the prize money he had so far earned.

Djokovic's banishment came despite the tennis legend pleading his case to referee Soeren Friemel and supervisor Andreas Egli for over 10 minutes on the court, but his efforts were to no avail.

Friemel said: "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 continued. Djokovic later took to social media to offer a public apology to the line judge while promising to work on himself as an athlete and person.

To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or tennis newsletter

"This whole situation has left me really sad and empty," he wrote. "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 also added: "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 coached Djokovic for three seasons - admitted he was left shocked by his former pupil's disqualification. "I'm as shocked as anybody," the German icon said while working 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."