My understanding of the rules is that it is irrelevant whether the line judge went down or was injured, if a thrown racquet or smashed ball hits anyone, however lightly, it's an automatic disqualification.
Not to be too harsh, but there seems to be a high percentage of linesmen/women who are obese in the US. I think she was startled by the violent nature of the racket swinging against the tarp, and of course she was in very close proximity, even if the actual pain caused by the racket rebounding and hitting her shoulder would have been very minimal. I doubt her knee was too badly damaged as she was seen walking away without too much of a limp a few minutes later. A very unfortunate incident but compared to the Nalbandian Queens one not a big deal. Right decision to default, but no more than that.
No such thing as fat or obese in the USA. They're all either eating-disordered, hormonally-imbalanced or a victim of child abuse, some such baloney like that.
Liam set point after 3 stunning points in a row. Smyczek gifts him the set with a horrible forehand long. Fantastic, Tim Henman style, running forehand pass started the series of superb points from Liam 6-2
Liam playing the best spell of tennis I've seen from him 1-0* All of a sudden there's real penetration in most of his shots.
-- Edited by kundalini on Tuesday 28th of October 2014 10:59:30 PM
And, A1, I don't think that one match ever has that much significance. Marcus has barely played any challenger matches this year - it's hardly 'fair' then to say that this one suddenly takes on the burden of representing the whole year.