'Novak Djokovic doesn't want to portray that image as a father' - Bartoli on USO default

Novak Djokovic was defaulted from the 2020 US Open in the most unusual circumstances. The Serb accidentally hit a lineswoman with a ball during his fourth-round match against Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta, and was promptly sent off the court by the referee.

Having been the clear favorite to win a fourth career US Open title, Djokovic saw a great opportunity slip from right under his nose on Sunday.

Recently, Marion Bartoli weighed in on the whole controversy on a talk show hosted by Tennis Majors. While the former 2013 Wimbledon champion was sympathetic towards Novak Djokovic, she also insisted that the default was justified.

The rules are very clear: Marion Bartoli on Novak Djokovic's disqualification

Novak Djokovic was defaulted for injuring the lines judge

Since the unfortunate incident, many fans have argued about whether Novak Djokovic deserved such an extreme sanction or not. The World No. 1 was not only disqualified from the match, but was also docked the prize money and ranking points he earned at the event.

Bartoli believes Djokovic may have been on the edge with everything going on around him recently, but is convinced that the default was a must.

“Since the start of the US Open, Novak Djokovic has undoubtedly been disturbed by everything that is happening off the court, as well as his new status as a big favorite in the Grand Slam. Maybe more than usual. It all started to boil inside him, and he ended up behaving like that. He will have to wonder why he felt like this, so tense and upset," Bartoli said of Novak Djokovic's disqualification.

"It's a story that ends horribly badly. He was not in the right frame of mind and not in his usual state. But the rules are very clear: you are disqualified if you touch someone, regardless of whether it is voluntary or not," Bartoli added.

Novak Djokovic must be feeling horribly wrong: Bartoli

Novak Djokovic exited the 2020 US Open in controversial fashion

The controversial incident has also elicited widespread discussions about Novak Djokovic's suitability as a role model.

Djokovic's image has been tainted by the controversy, but Marion Bartoli believes that what the Serb himself is feeling after his mistake is more important than public opinion.

“I think the question is more how he feels. He must be feeling horribly wrong. Without even thinking about what the public will think of him, the most important thing is himself," Bartoli claimed.

"He is the father of two children and I'm sure he feels bad because they are bound to hear about it. And he certainly doesn't want to portray that image as a father," the former Wimbledon winner said of Djokovic.