Death threats for lineswoman struck by Djokovic
24 hours prior, she was Laura Clark, an American lineswoman who was very much under the radar.
Now, she is Serbia’s public enemy and - after being hit in the throat by world number 1 Novak Djokovic at the US Open - is having the death of her son mocked by angry fans.
The result of the incident left Clark unable to breathe and Djokovic disqualified, as his attempt to win an 18th grand slam was tarnished.
In his Instagram apology on Monday, Djokovic said he was “extremely sorry to have caused her such distress” but was not revealing Clark’s name “to respect her privacy”.
The US Open was also reluctant to expose her, but a Serbian tabloid reportedly shared her Instagram handle which resulted in terrible consequences.
Almost every single one of Clark’s posts have been bombarded with shameful messages, calling her “sick” and an “alcoholic”.
“I hope you rot in hell for this,” one user wrote. “Hell hath no fury like Djokovic’s fans scorned. But no matter, you can be assured that one day karma will come for you. You were the reason the US Open disqualified the best tennis player. Novak, I hope you realise she was faking the injury all along.”
Commenting on a post dedicated to her late son, a fan of Djokovic wrote: “Don’t worry you’ll join him soon.”
Another added: “hahahahahahahaha YEEEEES, YEEEEEEEES.”
She has now deleted her Instagram page.
Clark is currently resting at a hotel and is under observation by medical professionals.