“The Anger Comes Out Of Control”- Former WTA Professional on Novak Djokovic’s Disqualification

In reality, 2020 has been pretty tough on everyone. But for one person, it has been abysmal. World Number one Novak Djokovic is having quite a year, but all for the wrong reasons. Right from the charity tour which spiked COVID-19 cases in the players, to the creation of a new players’ union. All that culminated in his surprising disqualification from the US Open 2020.

Serbian legend Djokovic was playing against Pablo Carreno Busta in the round of 16. Losing his cool, he unintentionally struck a ball towards the backboard. The ball struck one of the line umpires and Djokovic was disqualified from the tournament.

Retired tennis professional Daniela Hantuchova expressed her concern for her old friend Djokovic. Addressing the issue, Daniela stated that it was the anger that had gotten the better of him.

“It feels like sometimes the anger comes out of control”, she said. “I care so much about him and respect everything he is doing for our game, but I just hope there is a lesson to be learned, even if this one came at the worst possible time, where pretty much the only thing standing between him and an 18th grand slam title was himself, with all my respect to the other players.”

“So many times he has the right intentions, it’s just with the timing he’s not getting it right, like the Adria Tour. There’s no problem with running an exhibition tour like that, just not when the whole world stops. Same with the ATP stuff. Sure, things need to change, but not right now.”

Novak Djokovic ruined his chance for 18th Slam

Coming into the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic had a really great chance to clinch the Grand Slam. His greatest competitors, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were not going to be waiting for him in the latter stages, which had made Djokovic’s path towards his 18th Grand Slam comparatively easier than the usual times.

However, Djokovic’s fatal mistake, unintentional as it may have been, resulted in the disqualification, and ultimately his opportunity was lost.