Alex Michelsen got away with the same offence Novak Djokovic was disqualified for.
Alex Michelsen got away with the same offence Novak Djokovic was disqualified for (Image: GETTY)
The umpire who defaulted Novak Djokovic at the US Open in 2020 chose not to disqualify Alex Michelsen for the same offence on Saturday. Djokovic was ejected from the tournament at Flushing Meadows three years ago when he let his fury get the better of him.
The Serb was trailing Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round when he inadvertently hit a line judge in the throat with a ball smacked in anger. After the ball was struck, it was immediately clear that she was hurt and Djokovic rushed over to check on her condition.
It led to Djokovic being thrown out of the US Open with the umpire, Aurelie Tourte, applying the rules correctly to hand down the punishment. He pleaded his case at length before accepting his fate, collecting his rackets and walking off the court.
Michelsen looked worried about the repercussions but was allowed to play on (Image: GETTY)
