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 struck a ball girl near the net. Had the ball hit her, the umpire would have been forced to default Djokovic, similar to an incident at the 2020 US Open.
Acknowledging his mistake, Djokovic continued the match and eventually won in straight sets as he pursues his 11th Australian Open title. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash commented that Djokovic was extremely close to being defaulted, emphasizing the potential severity of the situation.
Reflecting on the match, Djokovic admitted he was fortunate to win without dropping a set. He highlighted the challenges faced during the game and the importance of staying focused. At 38 years old, Djokovic aims to secure his 25th Grand Slam title, potentially his last opportunity at the Australian Open.
Expressing his satisfaction with his performance, Djokovic remained cautious about the competition and emphasized the need to stay grounded. He acknowledged the rising talent of younger players but maintained his determination to compete at a high level.