Novak Djokovic has been ousted at the US Open by… Novak Djokovic. After blowing three set points at 4-5, and then having his own serve broken at 5-5, the 17 time grand slam winner inadvertently struck a line judge with a serving ball. There must have been a sniper in the distance as the judge flew into the air, and received some light medical attention. After the incident, the chair umpire disqualified Novak from the match, and thus the tournament.
As a result, the 2020 US Open will have a winner outside the big 3 since 2003.
The USTA rules state, in accordance with the Grand Slam rule book, actions of intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences, result in disqualification. The jury is out on how “intentional” the actual ball hit was, but regardless of which side you are on, Novak’s early departure from the tournament is a sad day for tennis fans. The Serbian had been undefeated this year and was the last of the big three to remain in the tournament (RF out with injury and Nadal opted to sit out).
Now, the remaining next gen ATP players will have a chance to claim a prize previously thought it impossible. My favorites to win will be Medvedev, Berrettini, or fellow Canaidan Denis Shapovalov.
It took a global pandemic, a knee surgery, and a match disqualification to finally fend of the big three from a grand slam final, but it has finally happened. Who will step up?
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