
The judge who was struck by Novak Djokovic’s ball has received death threats – including a vile post saying she’ll join her dead son “soon”.
The US Tennis Association didn’t want to verify Laura Clark’s name because vicious trolls are sending her abuse over the incident on Sunday.
Clark’s injury resulted in Djokovic being disqualified against Pablo Carreno Busta – albeit the Serbian player was the highest seed and heavy favourite to win the US Open.
His fans weren’t impressed with the choice and targeted Clark, writing hate-fuelled comments on her public profile before it had been placed on private.
In 2008, her son Josh during a died motorcycle accident, reports said, and one sick fan told her: “Don’t worry, you’ll be there soon,” during a disturbing Instagram comment.
Another sickeningly added: “Hahahahahah YEEEES, YEEES.”
In fact, almost all of the posts on her profile, which was found out in 2011, has been targeted by trolls who have called her “sick” and an “alcoholic.”
One user wrote on an image promoting a wine company: “You can drink gallons of alcohol but not survive alittle tennis ball… Bad acting. Shameless.”
Mr. Clark, who is from Kentucky, is currently staying at a hotel where the tournament doctor is observing her.
She will return to figure when she’s fit do so, a source told the NY Post.
Djokovic took to social media to inform his fans to prevent the disgusting behavior.
He stated:
“Dear #NoleFam many thanks for your positive messages.
“Please also remember the person that was hit by the ball last night needs our community’s support too.
“She’s done nothing wrong in the least . I ask you to remain especially supportive and caring to her during this point .
“From these moments, we grow stronger and that we rise above. Sharing love with everyone.”
He earlier issued a grovelling apology, saying the “whole situation has left me really sad and empty” after he hit the ball in frustration.
He says:
“I checked the road person and therefore the tournament told me that thank goodness she’s feeling good.
“I am extremely pitying causing her such a lot stress. So unintentionally. So wrong.
“I won’t disclose her name to respect her privacy. As for the disqualification, I even have to travel back in and work on my disappointment and switch it all into a lesson for my growth and evolution as a player and human.
“I apologise to the US Open tournament and everybody involved for my behavior.
“I am really grateful to my team and family for being my rock support, and my fans for always being there with me. Thanks and I’m so sorry.”
The incident sparked an enormous reaction online when Clark fell to the bottom in great pain before Djokovic came to ascertain if she was okay.
Djokovic had knocked a ball to the rear wall of the court in Ashe Stadium after losing the match’s 11th game – but it struck the unsuspecting football official .
He was fined a whooping £189,000 and docked of all his ranking points earned from the event.
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