On 6 September 2020, trailing 6-5 in the first set of his fourth-round US Open match against Pablo Carreño Busta, Novak Djokovic hit a ball behind him in frustration and struck a line judge in the throat. He was defaulted under the Grand Slam rule covering intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly, or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences — a provision that does not require intent to hit anyone. He forfeited the $250,000 in prize money he had earned at the tournament and all ranking points from it, and was fined. He had been 26-0 in 2020 up to that point. He apologised the same day: 'This whole situation has left me really sad and empty… I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.'
— The rule officials reached for covers hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly, or with negligent disregard of the consequences. It does not require that you meant to hit anyone.
— He went to check on her first, then argued the point with the referee: 'You can give me a game penalty, you can give me a set penalty, you have many options.'
— He forfeited the $250,000 he had already earned at the tournament and every ranking point with it. He had been 26-0 that season until that moment.
— It was the US Open, the opponent was Pablo Carreño Busta, and he is Serbian and has won more men's singles majors than anybody.
— Initials: N.D.
ALLEGEDLY* edition No. 94. Three strikes to name Novak Djokovic, with a free clue unlocked after every miss.
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