THE lineswoman that tennis star Novak Djokovic accidentally hit in the throat with a ball has been identified as Laura Clark.
The Kentucky native was struck by the ball in frustration after Djokovic was broken by his opponent in his first set at the US Open.
Djokovic has since apologized for his actions after he was dismissed from the prestigious tournament.
Who is Novak Djokovic?
Novak Djokovic is the top-ranked men’s singles player.
After turning pro in 2003, he entered the top 100 of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) at just 18.
He currently holds 17 Grand Slam singles titles under his belt, two spots from Roger Federer, who currently holds the record for most Grand Slam title wins.
What happened at the US Open?
Djokovic was defaulted by tournament officials during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreno Busta.
The Serbian tournament favorite injured a lineswoman when he smacked the ball at her by mistake after being broken in the first set.
She fell down, clutching her throat and started to cough and wheeze dramatically while Djokovic raced over.
Soeren Friemel, the US Open referee, went on court and explained that under the Grand Slam Code of Conduct, the 33-year-old would be disqualified regardless of intent.
Djokovic looked horrified after the incident, but argued his case with officials as he pleaded not to be disqualified.
According to reports courtside, he said: “She doesn’t have to go to the hospital for this. You’re going to choose a default in this situation? My career, Grand Slam, center stage.”
Who was the line judge who was injured?
The line judge was identified by relatives as Laura Clark from Owensboro, Kentucky.
According to the Grand Slam rulebook, “players shall not at any times physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site.”
It adds that: “physical abuse is the unauthorized touching of an official, opponent, spectator or other person.”
Friends told WKBR that she was not seriously hurt.
Clark is an avid tennis fan and worked her way up from junior and college tournaments to officiate Grand Slam tournaments.
Clark revealed to Owensboro Living magazine in 2014 that she had once had her lip busted by a 130mph serve at a tournament in Louisville.
“The first time you are on a big court it is terrifying, and it is the coolest, most terrifying experience in the whole world,” she revealed of her lineswoman experience.
“You are shaking so hard and you’re sure they can see you shaking.”
In addition to her lineswoman duties, Clark has also acted as an umpire and refereed tournament matches.
She once claimed that officiating tennis is “not something you are going to make a huge amount of money doing” – but added that “I would do it for free.”
What did Djokovic say about the incident?
Djokovic apologized in a statement on Instagram, writing: “This whole situation has left me really sad and empty.
“I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling OK.
“I‘m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong. I’m not disclosing her name to respect her privacy.
“As for the disqualification, I need to go back within and work on my disappointment and turn this all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human being.
“I apologize to the US Open tournament and everyone associated for my behavior.
Djokovic will lose all his ranking points and be fined the $251,171 prize money won at the tournament for reaching the fourth round.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/tennis/serena-williams-demands-showdown-talks-with-french-open-amid-coronavirus-fears-over-her-serious-health-issues
