Novak Djokovic has been defaulted from the US Open for hitting and felling a lineswoman with a ball.
The world No.1 fled Flushing Meadows without facing the press but just issued a statement on social media, saying he felt "sad and empty".
"I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok," Djokovic wrote.
"I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong.
"I apologise to the @usopen tournament and everyone associated for my behaviour."
The tournament favourite, who was trying to add to his haul of 17 Grand Slams, pleaded his case with officials for 10 minutes but was kicked out of the New York major.
Djokovic whacked a ball towards the back of the court in a moment of frustration, without looking where it was going, after dropping serve in the first set to trail 5-6 in his fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta.
The ball hit the lineswoman in the head/neck area, dropping her to the ground. The lineswoman grabbed her throat after falling. Djokovic quickly ran to her aid but the damage.
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