Another careless swing of the racquet nearly brought back bad memories for Novak Djokovic.
In 2020, Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open after accidentally hitting a line judge in the neck with a ball. On Saturday at the Australian Open, he came close to a similar situation.
During his straight-sets win over Botic van de Zandschulp — his 400th Grand Slam victory — Djokovic hit a ball away in frustration. The ball narrowly missed a ball girl, who quickly moved out of the way near the net.
Djokovic admitted the moment happened “in the heat of the moment” and said he was lucky, apologising for any distress caused.
Had the ball girl been hit, officials — including tournament referee Wayne McKewen — could have defaulted the 24-time Grand Slam champion, ending his push for a record 25th major title.
Grand Slam rules allow a player to be disqualified for hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly, even for a single incident. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said Djokovic was just inches away from being defaulted again.
Unlike the US Open incident in New York, where Djokovic clearly struck the line judge, this time he escaped punishment thanks to the ball girl’s quick reaction.
Despite also slipping during the match and receiving treatment for a blister on his right foot, Djokovic went on to win in two hours and 44 minutes, staying on course without dropping a set.
He will face Jakub Mensik in the fourth round as he continues his bid for a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title.
