“He Himself Knew It Was Wrong” – Former Coach on Novak Djokovic’s Disqualification From US Open 2020

A huge decision that is still afresh in people’s minds is the disqualification of World No.1 Novak Djokovic from the US Open 2020.

In his 4th round clash with Pablo Carreno Busta, Djokovic hit a spare ball which went on to hit the line judge. An accident that seems to have come out of frustration after he was broken at 6-5, Djokovic immediately went to assist the line judge and later pleaded his innocence to the match referee and supervisor but the trio of the chair umpire, tournament referee, and supervisor after a lengthy decision decided to default the Serbian.

Djokovic’s former coach Radek Stepanek spoke about the matter and its repercussions on Djokovic. 

“I know he is very sad inside himself and he is in pain. He is in pain because it was unintentional and, in that moment, the pain is bigger. And it’s hard for him because we know how hungry he is to become the player with the most grand slams. All these circumstances make it very sad for him and in the first moment, empty, because I believe he himself knew that it was wrong that she got hit.” Stepanek said in a conversation with CNN

Radek Stepanek vows for Novak Djokovic to come back from his US Open 2020 disqualification

Stepanek also said that the criticism has gone a little overboard and that Djokovic can also be afforded the luxury of making mistakes.

“Obviously the pressure on him and the criticism he is getting over time, it’s hard. We are all human beings. We have a right to make a mistake. I think that one of his biggest strengths is his mental power. No matter how sad and empty he is right now — and from what I know, it is very deep because he is a deep feeling person and he is sensitive — he is also hard on himself right now. I think the thing that gets him out of this will be getting back to work.”

Like Stepanek said the only thing that will get him out of this is coming to the court. In his apology, Djokovic seemed to put all this behind and move to Europe and get ready for the clay-court tournaments. Djokovic’s actions and reactions will be closely looked, once we see him again on the court in a few weeks.

Read More: How the Disqualification of Novak Djokovic Affects the Dynamics of US Open 2020