#Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting lineswoman with ball

The overwhelming US Open favorite Novak Djokovic was stunningly defaulted from his fourth-round match vs. Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta on Sunday after striking a lineswoman in the neck with a ball hit in frustration.

The incident occurred late in the first set with Djokovic trailing 6-5.

The disqualification cited is “abuse of ball” when it is struck with “negligent disregard for consequences.’’

Djokovic, who was 29-0 this year and the US Open No. 1 seed, spoke calmly with the tournament referees for ten minutes to explain the situation. It did not appear Djokovic intentionally hit the lineswoman after Busta had taken the lead.

Djokovic, 33, blindly hit the ball to the back wall, striking the woman, who stayed down for a few minutes before being removed from the court. Djokovic reacted with stunned concern after the ball struck her and went directly over to her. It did not appear the officials looked at the replays.

Djokovic also had hit a ball in anger earlier in the set.

Djokovic left the grounds without doing his post-match interview.

It was a stunning end to Djokovic’s bid to post an undefeated season. He was among the few players who had rented a house and was willing to pay the 24-hour security tab of $60,000 while in the area.

The Open is already missing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Djokovic injured his shoulder in a fall earlier in the set.