This comes after the Serb was disqualified after just one set in his round of 16 match against Pablo Carreno Busta for hitting a lineswoman with a ball in the throat.

Despite pleading his case and his opponent also saying it was unintentional, Djokovic was disqualified after conversations with the tournament referee, which sees him out of the race for what could’ve been his 18th title. 

While Djokovic did snub the post-match press conference, he later apologised via the social media platform, Instagram.

“This whole situation has left me really sad and empty.

“I checked on the linesperson and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling okay.

“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 apologise to the US Open tournament, and everyone associated, for my behaviour. I'm very grateful to my team and family for being my rock of support, and my fans for always being there with me.

“Thank you and I'm so sorry.”

In the Women’s section, Serena Williams will face Maria Sakkari in her round of 16 match at 18:00 on Monday night.

@SamLudidi OFM Sport