Djokovic begged not to be disqualified from US Open in 'worst moment of career'
Novak Djokovic failed in his desperate bid to avoid the US Open disqualification that Boris Becker described as the "worst moment of his career." The Serbian legend lasted just one match in the 2026 version of the Grand Slam, going out in tears in a shock five-set loss to Mariana Navone. Yet it still was not the worst moment of his career at the tournament. He endured a deeply regrettable chapter at the US Open in 2020.
TL;DR
- Novak Djokovic was disqualified from the 2020 US Open for accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball.
- The incident occurred during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreno Busta.
- Djokovic pleaded with officials, including referee Soeren Friemel and supervisor Andreas Egli, but his disqualification was upheld.
- He forfeited ranking points and prize money earned in the tournament.
- Djokovic later apologized on social media, expressing deep regret and vowing personal growth.
- Boris Becker, Djokovic's former coach, called the disqualification the 'most difficult moment' of his professional life.