Djokovic calls on his fans to show support for line judge
Novak Djokovic has asked his fans not to abuse the line judge at the centre of his US Open disqualification.
The world No 1 was thrown out of the New York tournament 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 fourthround match with Pablo Carreno Busta.
She is reportedly bruised and was heard gasping for air after the incident, but has been targeted b yD jokovic’ sangryf ans online who accused her of 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.”
Clark was not at the Flushing Meadows site on Monday and a US Open spokesman said the line judge “was 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 (£190,000), Djokovic has also been fined an additional $10,000 (£7,000) for not attending a mandatory press conference.
Instead, the Serbian quickly left the tour nament grounds and posted an 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 OK. I’m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.”