A victory, a record and a big scare. Victorious in three sets for the Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp this Saturday in the 3rd round of the Australian Open (6-3, 6-4, 7-6 [4]), Novak Djokovic secured his place for the second week of his favorite Grand Slam by writing a new page in the history of tennis, since he became the first player to reach 400 wins in a Major, at the same time equaling the number of victories of Roger Federer in Melbourne (102).
Exceptional figures, which could never have been celebrated for a few centimeters. Appearing very tense on the Rod Laver Arena, the Serb came very close to disqualification. No doubt frustrated by the scenario of the second set, during which Van de Zandschulp erased a late break while leading 6-3 3-0, “Nole” lost his composure. After winning a point, the world number four hit a ball with all his might, which narrowly passed over the head of a girl kneeling next to the net.
A precedent at the US Open
This completely unpredictable bout of blood, almost unconscious as Djokovic seemed in control of the debates, could have cost the ten-time Australian Grand Slam winner dearly, aware of having escaped the worst. “I apologized for that,” the person said at a press conference after his victory. “It wasn’t necessary and it was in the heat of the moment. Yes, I was lucky and I’m sorry I caused any harm to the ball girl or anyone else. »
Djokovic, who met the Czech Jakub Mensik next Monday, did not receive a warning for this gesture of humor. As a reminder, the native of Belgrade had already experienced a similar situation at the US Open, in 2020. Then opposed to Pablo Carreno-Busta in the round of 16, he was disqualified after hitting a line judge by sending a ball – at a much lower speed than Saturday – behind him, at the end of a service game.
In the race for a historic 25th career Grand Slam at the age of 38, the Serbian remains in four consecutive semi-finals in the premier category of tennis. He has lost his last three meetings at this stage against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
