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'No other option' in Djokovic disqualification – Referee

Novak Djokovic of Serbia and a tournament official tend to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain (not pictured) on day seven of the 2020 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. [USA TODAY Sports]

U.S. Open Tournament Referee Soeren Friemel said there was “no other option” but to disqualify world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday after he struck a line judge with a ball.

A frustrated Djokovic swatted a ball to the back of the court inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, inadvertently hitting a line judge in her throat after his fourth-round opponent broke his serve in the first set on Sunday.

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