Novak Djokovic has publicly apologised after a moment of frustration nearly resulted in a ball girl being struck during his historic third-round match at the 2026 Australian Open. The incident occurred on Saturday at Melbourne Park, where the Serbian tennis legend secured a straight-sets victory over Dutch opponent Botic van de Zandschulp.
A Tense Moment on Court
During the match, Djokovic, aged 38, unleashed a forehand shot that narrowly missed the head of a ball girl who was crouching close to the net. This alarming moment came amidst a tense encounter, despite the eventual scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in Djokovic's favour. The 24-time Grand Slam champion later expressed remorse, attributing the action to the heat of the moment.
"I apologise for that," Djokovic stated. "That was not necessary and in the heat of the moment. I was lucky there, and I'm sorry for causing any distress to the ball kid or anybody." This incident echoes a previous disqualification from the 2020 US Open, where Djokovic was penalised for hitting a line judge with a ball, adding a layer of concern to the latest episode.
Historic Milestones Achieved
The match was significant beyond the controversy, as Djokovic made tennis history by becoming the first player ever to reach 400 singles wins at Grand Slam tournaments. Additionally, he equalled Roger Federer's record of 102 victories at the Australian Open, further cementing his legacy in the sport. With 10 Australian Open men's singles titles already to his name, Djokovic is now pursuing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam triumph.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite not dropping a set in the 2026 tournament so far, Djokovic's win over Van de Zandschulp was far from straightforward. The Serbian faced a scare when he fell clutching his right ankle during the third set, though it was later confirmed to be a blister issue treated by a trainer. He also saved two set points at 5-6 in the third set, showcasing his trademark resilience under pressure.
Throughout the match, Djokovic engaged in his familiar battles with the Melbourne crowd, frequently gesturing for silence by putting a finger to his lips and cupping his hand to his ear after crucial points. "I relaxed a little bit too much and was in trouble closing out the second set, and pretty much from that moment onwards it was anybody's game," he reflected post-match. "I was really lucky to get out of the set point in the third. Just glad to overcome it in straights."
Looking Ahead and Personal Reflections
Djokovic dismissed any serious concerns about his ankle, joking, "Thankfully I managed to have a good fall. Things could have been very ugly." He also shared a light-hearted piece of advice for his younger self, saying, "Calm down, you jerk. It's true. I am too stressed on the court very often and too much tension at times. I think I would say the patience is a big one."
As the tournament progresses, Djokovic remains focused on his quest for another title, adding, "It's been a great start to the tournament. I'm still trying to give these young guys a push for their money." The incident serves as a reminder of the intense pressures faced by top athletes, even as they achieve remarkable feats on the global stage.
