Novak Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the Australian Open over Botic van de Zandschulp.
However, the legend's campaign could have ended in the seventh game of the second set after a careless reaction.
Novak Djokovic nearly hit a ballkid while smashing the ball away against Botic Van de Zandschulp.
Had it hit the ballkid he would be looking at a possible disqualification..
Umpire didn’t give out a warning.pic.twitter.com/0l9SjKAECX
— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) January 24, 2026
Djokovic wasted two break points and smashed the ball without looking, narrowly missing a ball kid. Fortunately for the Serb, the ball missed the kid's head, which kept him in the tournament.
In a different outcome, he would have been disqualified for the competition. Novak took responsibility for the incident and apologized, expressing regret and acknowledging that the situation could have ended differently.
After all, we remember how he had to end the US Open campaign after hitting the line judge in the neck. The incident immediately raised concern, given the sport's strict stance on player conduct and past precedents.
The veteran settled after that scary moment and brought the second set home with two holds at love. In the end, he grabbed a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 victory for a place in the last 16 and his 400th Major victory.
The 38-year-old felt physical issues in the third set, asking for a medical timeout for a blister on his right foot.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Van de Zandschulp led 3-1 before the ten-time champion pulled the break back. The Serb served to extend the set at 5-6 and denied two set points. Thus, he saved himself from playing at least one more set.
Novak had the upper hand in the tie break, sealing the deal and earning a couple of massive milestones. However, he stood close to the exit door, which reminds us of how thin the line can be between momentary frustration and serious consequences.
Djokovic will now face Jakub Mensik, the young Czech who bested him in last year's Miami Open final in two tie breaks. The legend will try to focus on the scoreboard and his rival while leaving potentially dangerous loses of focus off the court.
"I apologize for what I did – that was not necessary. It was in the heat of the moment, and yeah, I was lucky there. I'm sorry for causing any distress to the ball kid or anybody," Novak Djokovic said.
