The impossible has happened, Novak Djokovic has been disqualified from the 2020 US Open.  Covid-19 hadn’t ruined my year yet, I was excited to watch the American Grand Slam.  For me, the US Open is like coming home, a place I grew up and grew old.  My first Open was when my father played in the senior doubles division in 1975.  That year, he got to the finals and I was there every step of the way.  From the Player’s locker room to sitting courtside, I was right there.  My father is gone now, but his spirit waits for me every year at Flushing Meadows.

Adding to my excitement, was the expectation of watching my favor athlete display his brilliance.  Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player I have ever seen, and I cheer for him in every match.  This year’s Open was in question after Wimbledon was cancelled and the French rescheduled, but the people of New York found a way, and the 2020 US Open would happen at its preset date.  With the absence of both Roger and Rafa, Joker was the only one of the three greats to show and defend his grand slam title.  I hoped this would guarantee his 18th grand slam win.  Instead, it was another blow to my junk, like Covid-19, something that took the fun out of the tournament. 

The worst part is that no matter who wins the Open, the people will question the fact that no Former Champion was defeated to win the title.  An asterix will always appear next to the 2020 Open, this will be a meaningless tournament win.  I absolutely hate that in a moment of thoughtlessness, Novak is out.  The only one who seems to be able to beat him is himself.  That hits home for me.  I too, have a temper, and I too have made bad choices on the tennis court.  Be it from rage, low blood sugar, poor behavior, or any combination, I have lost it while playing tennis.  I always wonder later how it happened; I completely love tennis. 

I bring complete intensity to everything I do, and that may be why I find the idea of losing my focus completely frustrating.  Focus and excellence go hand in hand, and without one, you can’t have the other.  The idea of losing control on the court frustrates me and makes it worse when it happens.  I bet for Novak, that there is no second-rate effort, and the mental determination to be as great as he is must come at a price.  Demanding day after day focus on health, fitness, and being an ambassador of your sport and your country must come with an extreme burden.  Joker just had a moment, but that’s all it takes, he’s out.  I hope the tennis world will forgive him and people like him, and people like me. 

The funniest thing about this event is that Novak is a warm, kind, generous man.  He has spent time with the ball boys and girls at tournament in the past.  He gives of himself to his fans and countrymen alike.  He is one of the “Good Guys!”  I bet the pain of being bad hurts him even more. I know it bothers me.  My heart needs protecting sometimes and that’s not a pretty scene.  My anger is never harsh, it’s a protective coat, an instrument of retribution.  Moments can’t overshadow a lifetime, please give us and The Joker another chance.