Novak Djokovic faced a close call during his Australian Open match against Botic van de Zandschulp when he narrowly missed hitting a ball girl with a furious shot towards the end of the second set. Had the ball made contact, Djokovic would have risked disqualification, reminiscent of his 2020 US Open incident where he inadvertently struck a line judge.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Djokovic swiftly apologized and refocused on the match, ultimately securing a victory in straight sets as he pursues his 11th Australian Open title. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash emphasized the severity of the moment, noting how close Djokovic came to being defaulted due to the high-speed trajectory of the ball.
Reflecting on the match, Djokovic expressed gratitude for his win, recognizing the pivotal moments where the game could have shifted. Despite facing challenges, he credits his ability to overcome critical points and maintain composure. With his eyes set on a record 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic remains cautious yet determined, aiming to outperform younger talents like Alcaraz and Sinner who are currently dominating the tennis scene.
As Djokovic continues his quest for success at the Australian Open, he remains vigilant about managing expectations and staying competitive against the rising stars in the sport, showcasing his resilience and enduring presence in the tennis world.
