This was expected to be Novak Djokovic’s U.S. Open to lose. He was expected to win an 18th grand slam title rather easily with tennis superstars such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Stanislas Wawrinka not present due to various circumstances. Entering the tournament as the clear and overwhelming number one seed, Djokovic had not lost a match in 2020. In fact, Djokovic had not lost since November 14, when he was beaten by Federer 6-4, 6-3 in the group stage of the 2019 ATP Finals in London.
On Sunday, Djokovic entered Arthur Ashe Stadium as the clear favourite against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain in his fourth round match in Flushing Meadows. Djokovic had won all three prior matches, with all three wins coming in the third round (2014 and 2017 Monte Carlo and 2019 in Cincinnati).
However on Sunday, Carreno Busta broke Djokovic in the 11th game of the first set. Djokovic has got off to a slow start before. In the second round, he lost to Kyle Edmund of Great Britain 7-6, before regrouping nicely by winning three straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. But after Djokovic was broken on Sunday to make the score 6-5 Carreno Busta, he tossed a ball back to the backstop in what appeared to be minor frustration. Unfortunately for Djokovic, he hit a linesperson in the throat. The linesperson collapsed and temporarily had trouble breathing. As a result, Djokovic was ejected.
After the incident, Djokovic voiced his concerns with tournament officials. However, the rules clearly state according to the Toronto Sun, “players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.” As a result, it is now Carreno Busta who will advance to the quaterfinals, where he will face Denis Shapovalov of Canada.
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