Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided a major disqualification scare during his fourth-round match at Wimbledon against Roman Safiullin on Sunday, after accidentally hitting the umpire's chair with a ball. The incident prompted gasps from the Centre Court crowd, as it echoed his 2020 US Open default when he struck a line judge.
Incident Unfolds in Third Game
Djokovic, 39, was leading 1-0 after breaking Safiullin's serve in the opening game. In the third game, with Safiullin serving, a let was called after the ball clipped the net. Djokovic attempted to return the ball to a ball boy positioned near the umpire's chair, but misjudged his angle, sending the ball soaring high and hitting the chair with a loud 'clunk'.
The Serbian immediately raised his hand in apology, but the crowd gasped, recalling his 2020 US Open disqualification. At the US Open, Djokovic was defaulted after hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreño Busta.
Djokovic's Response and Context
Djokovic later spoke about the incident, acknowledging the pressure of playing in front of large crowds. 'Well, we are in the entertainment business, as well. I think in the end of the day, you try to bring the quality for the people that pay tickets to come and watch you with your tennis,' Djokovic said ahead of the match. 'Also, for me at least, it was always trying to interact in one way or another with the crowd. Over the course of my career, I've had many exchanges with the crowd, good and bad.'
He added: 'Sometimes you have matches where you just try to switch everything and everyone off and not really pay attention. Sometimes if there is a proposal happening and you see it, I think it's a nice moment if you say a few words. They'll remember it for a long time.'
Djokovic's Wimbledon Record Chase
Djokovic entered the match chasing a men's singles record on Centre Court. He had drawn level with Roger Federer's 105 victories with his third-round triumph over No. 25 seed Arthur Rinderknech on Friday. The 39-year-old is eager to keep entertaining the Wimbledon crowd for as long as his body allows.
Despite the scare, Djokovic continued his match against Safiullin, who broke back to level at 1-1 after Djokovic's initial break. The incident did not result in any penalty, and play resumed without further incident.
