Novak Djokovic urges #NoleFam to show support to line judge at centre of US Open disqualification
World No 1 Novak Djokovic has asked his fans not to abuse the line judge at the centre of his US Open disqualification.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner was thrown out of the New York tournament on Sunday night after he accidentally hit line umpire 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 fourth-round match with Pablo Carreno Busta.
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. (1/2)
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 7, 2020
She is reportedly bruised and was heard gasping for air after the incident, but has been targeted by Djokovic’s angry fans online who accused her 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.
“From these moments, we grow stronger and we rise above. Sharing love with everyone. Europe here I come.”
Clark was not at the Flushing Meadows site on Monday.
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