Djokovic, 33, looked horrified after the incident, but argued his case with officials as the World No 1 - chasing his 18th Grand Slam title - pleaded not to be disqualified.
According to reports courtside, he said: "She doesn't have to go to the hospital for this. You're going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, centre stage"
Djokovic later apologised in a statement on Instagram, writing: "This whole situation has left me really sad and empty.
"I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok.
"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.
According to reports courtside, he said: "She doesn't have to go to the hospital for this. You're going to choose a default in this situation? My career, grand slam, centre stage"
Djokovic later apologised in a statement on Instagram, writing: "This whole situation has left me really sad and empty.
"I checked on the lines person and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling ok.
"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.
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