Novak Djokovic narrowly avoided disqualification for the second time in his Grand Slam career during a tense moment at the Australian Open. In a fit of anger during his third-round match against Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic almost hit a ball girl with a ball, coming just inches away from a potential default.
Had the ball connected with the young girl, umpire John Blom would have been compelled to disqualify Djokovic, a consequence he faced in the 2020 US Open for hitting a line judge. Djokovic quickly apologized and continued the match, ultimately winning in straight sets as he pursues his 11th Australian Open title.
Reflecting on the incident, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash described the moment as a close call, emphasizing that Djokovic seemed unaware of the ball girl’s presence. Djokovic acknowledged his fortune in winning the match and admitted to facing challenges during key points in the game.
At 38 years old, Djokovic aims to secure his 25th Grand Slam title, potentially his final appearance at the Australian Open. Despite facing tough competition from rising stars like Alcaraz and Sinner, Djokovic remains determined to challenge and compete at the highest level. He expressed caution about staying focused and avoiding premature excitement, drawing from past experiences of injuries at crucial stages in Grand Slam tournaments.