Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided disqualification for the second time in his Grand Slam career at the Australian Open. During his third-round match against Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic angrily hit a ball that almost hit a ball girl near the net. Had the ball struck her, umpire John Blom would have been forced to default Djokovic, similar to an incident at the 2020 US Open.
Acknowledging the close call, Djokovic apologized and refocused on the match, ultimately winning in straight sets as he pursues his 11th Australian Open title. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash described the incident as a near miss, emphasizing the potential consequences had the ball hit the ball kid.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic admitted feeling fortunate to secure victory in straight sets, attributing part of his success to his opponent’s physical struggles during the match. Despite the win, Djokovic remains cautious, recalling past instances where early excitement led to injury setbacks in Grand Slam tournaments.
At 38 years old, Djokovic aims to clinch his 25th Grand Slam title, a feat that would further solidify his legacy in tennis. He remains vigilant against rising talents like Alcaraz and Sinner, recognizing the competitive landscape but staying determined to challenge and succeed against younger opponents on the court.