Serena Williams Once Committed the Same Mistake Novak Djokovic Made at the U.S. Open

As blunders go, Novak Djokovic’s brain cramp in the fourth round of the U.S. Open has even surpassed the most memorable gaffe of all-time women’s great Serena Williams in a tennis Grand Slam event.

Djokovic had a nearly unimpeded path to the men’s singles championship when he did himself in with a fit of anger.

Novak Djokovic cost himself an almost-certain championship

Novak Djokovic came to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City poised to close the gap in one of the most interesting career-achievement races in sports. Roger Federer of Switzerland holds the men’s singles record with 20 career victories, one more than Rafael Nadal of Spain. Djokovic, the Serbian star, is next with 17.

At 33 years old, it’s possible that Djokovic still has time to catch Margaret Court (24) and Serena Williams (23) on the all-time list of major victories. Prospects for that took a hit with his bizarre default during his fourth-round match.

Serena Williams has also been disqualified before