Djokovic cops 'never-before-seen' code violation against Millman

Novak Djokovic may have prevailed victorious over John Millman, but the Serb also made history with a shot clock mishap.

The 31-year-old violated the 25-second shot clock twice in one service game, resulting in a first-service fine for his efforts.

Djokovic’s first serve of his second violation was then ruled as a fault when serving at a crucial moment in a match.

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Millman was leading 30-40 in the third-set when Djokovic was docked, leaving him with only a second serve to tie the game.

The commentators immediately caught on to the penalty, suggesting Djokovic may have done it intentionally.

“He was very, very close to starting his motion when it hit zero,” the commentators said.

“He just did that on purpose.

“You could see it, he could see it, but he made no effort to start the service motion.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.”

Djokovic ended up smashing the winner wide, allowing Millman to claim a rare service break and take a 4-3 lead in the third.

The 25-second shot clock rules introduced at the US Open has players still coming to terms with its introduction – and Djokovic was the first to cop such a penalty on the Grand Slam level.

While some players have been issued warnings under the new rule, the automatic fault was a never-before-seen code violation.

The shot clock has been a hot topic around Flushing Meadows, as players adjust to the quicker speed of play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who previously said he was unconcerned about the clock, told reporters on Tuesday he was unhappy at how the new time rule had been implemented.

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“US Open has introduced it without really consulting players, which was not that nice, to be honest,” Djokovic said.

“The good thing is at least we had the US Open Series tournaments, the ATP events … with a shot clock so we could get used to it.”

But Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, who won her first-round match against Germany’s Andrea Petkovic, told reporters she did not feel adequate time had been allowed to prepare.

“I mean, it’s a little bit strange because it’s in just since couple of tournaments and we still are not used to it,” Ostapenko said.

“I’m not a big fan of it.”

The deduction of a first serve for Djokovic also split the opinion of viewers on social media.

But there are players who don’t mind the clock – and, in some cases, are able to use it to their advantage.

Former US Open champion Stan Wawrinka, who fought off French qualifier Ugo Humbert to claim his second-round win, thinks the clock is a welcome addition.

“I think it just gives a rhythm simple and clear for everybody: for the player, for the TV, for the fans,” Wawrinka said.

with Reuters.