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I would hope there aren’t too many arguments being made regarding whether what Novak Djokovic did on Sunday at the 2020 U.S. Open should have resulted in him being disqualified.
But if there are, let’s put them all to rest and examine the rulebook.
The No. 1 seeded Djokovic was frustrated in the first set of his match against Pablo Carreño Busta, hitting a ball off the wall that then struck a line judge in the neck. Djokovic apologized on Instagram and said that his actions were unintentional.
The ITF rulebook spells out what led to his disqualification: under the “physical abuse” section, players are penalized if the violation happens during a match.
“In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to
the success of a tournament, or are singularly egregious,” it reads, “a single violation of this Section shall also constitute the Major Offence of ‘Aggravated Behaviour’ and shall be subject to the additional penalties hereinafter set forth.”
A default can be for a “single violation.”
It’s pretty clear-cut. Even if Djokovic didn’t intend to hit the line judge, his behavior was egregious and dangerous, and did end up with someone getting injured. On a court filled with officials and others, you can’t start smacking around tennis balls out of anger, and when it ends up with someone getting injured, the punishment is absolutely justified.
The weekend’s biggest winner: Jadeveon Clowney
The defensive end signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans and could earn a big contract after this season. Reportedly, the NFL shut down a wild sign-and-trade move with the Saints that would have melted Twitter if it had happened.
Quick hits: Some potential Steelers drama involving a “Bachelor” contestant… A pitch nearly hit a butterfly… Jimmie Johnson dressed like Dale Earnhardt… And more!
– The Steelers signed QB Josh Dobbs, who was dating Bachelor finalist Hannah Ann Sluss … who is now dating Steelers QB Mason Rudolph.
– Cameras captured Patrick Corbin coming thisclose to nailing a butterfly with a pitch.
– Jimmie Johnson honored Dale Earnhardt before the Southern 500.