Novak Djokovic creates a delicate moment at the Australian Open 2026. Memories of one of the most turbulent incidents of his career are immediately brought back.
In the third round win against Botic van de Zandschulp, the 38-year-old fired a ball away out of frustration. He misses a ball girl by just a few centimeters. A scene that is strongly reminiscent of an earlier scene from ‘Djoker’.
Tennis fans saw exactly these images in 2020. At that time, Djokovic hit a lines judge in the neck out of anger in the round of 16 of the US Open and was disqualified after long discussions. Dominic Thiem subsequently won his first Grand Slam title.
Exclusion hair shaft escape
This time Djokovic is spared this fate – but only just.
When the score was 6:3, 4:2 in Melbourne, the Serb shot the ball backwards uncontrollably. The felt ball whizzes only about 20 centimeters past the face of a ball girl who is kneeling next to the net. A dangerous moment, but the chair referee doesn’t react: no warning, no penalty, no lengthy discussion.
Djokovic is remorseful
In retrospect, the tennis star appears remorseful: “I apologized. That wasn’t necessary and happened in the heat of the moment,” he says. He “was lucky,” as he openly admits. “I’m sorry if I caused any inconvenience to the ball child or anyone else.”
In terms of sport, Djokovic largely has the game under control, only falters in the third set and finally prevails after 2:44 hours with 6:3, 6:4, 7:6 (7:4). The ten-time Australian Open winner will move into the round of 16, where he will meet the Czech Jakub Mensik (No. 16).
With a view to his possible 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic is one of the top favorites as fourth seed.
The delicate scene in the VIDEO:
