For one brief, terrifying moment, Novak Djokovic looked like risking a repeat of his 2019 disqualification as a ballkid entered the firing line.
Novak Djokovic has learnt his lesson — just.
The Serbian star was famously disqualified from the 2019 US Open for hitting a ball into a linesperson’s throat and his tempter threatened to get the better of him again this time around.
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Djokovic’s shot at history slipped out of his grasp during Monday’s straight sets loss in the US Open final against Daniil Medvedev. The Russian was practically flawless as he claimed his maiden major trophy.
Djokovic was aiming to become the first man since Australian Rod Laver in 1969 to win the calendar Grand Slam. Having already secured titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, the 34-year-old was one win away from achieving the rarest feat in tennis.
Victory would also have put him one clear on top of the list for all-time grand slam men’s singles titles. Instead, he remains locked on 20 with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Medvedev’s near-perfection and Djokovic’s unforced errors in the second set saw him melt down, smashing a racquet and chastising himself as he failed to find any answers to his rival’s dominance.
After dragging another ball into the net, it bobbled back towards Djokovic and he wound up to thrash it in anger. At the same time, a ballkid was coming across from the other side of the court to collect the ball.
The way Djokovic was shaping to hit the ball, the ballkid was in his direct line of fire. Had he connected, there would have been a real risk of 2019 repeating itself.
Thankfully, this time, the 20-time grand slam winner pulled out at the last moment — just as the ballkid looked to shy away and prepare to protect themselves for an incoming missile.