Novak Djokovic has looked untouchable at the Australian Open as he chases a historic 25th Grand Slam on his most dominant stage. Against Botic van de Zandschulp, a fourth-round berth appeared routine. The narrative briefly shifted, however, when a moment of tension saw Djokovic narrowly avoid disqualification after a ball nearly struck a ball kid.

Midway through the second set, with Djokovic leading 4–2, the moment of controversy arrived. After missing a shot, Djokovic struck the ball in anger. The ball flew past a ball kid at the net at high speed.

The near miss drew an immediate reaction from the broadcast booth. “Oh my goodness,” said former British No 1 Tim Henman while covering the match for TNT Sports. The incident quickly became the main talking point.

Commentator Nick Lester and Henman discussed the tension that followed. They suggested that Djokovic avoided eye contact with the chair umpire. A disqualification would have ended what could be his final bid for an 11th Australian Open title, but play continued.

Novak Djokovic was firmly in control after winning the opening set. Botic van de Zandschulp then appeared close to retiring due to a shoulder issue. He received treatment from the tournament trainer and looked uncomfortable on court.

Despite the problem, van de Zandschulp continued. He fought back from 3–0 down in the second set. His resistance clearly frustrated the 10-time Australian Open champion.

And to be honest, Novak showed visible frustration during his third-round match at the Australian Open. He directed an angry message toward chair umpire John Blom. The incident came during a tense moment late in the match.

Djokovic was serving to extend the third set with Botic van de Zandschulp leading 6–5. He appeared upset after feeling distracted during points. The Serbian voiced his concerns as emotions boiled over on Rod Laver Arena.

Despite leading by two sets, Djokovic was forced into a battle. Van de Zandschulp raised his level in the third set. The Dutchman’s resistance clearly tested Djokovic’s patience.

As the tension grew, John Blom stepped in. He urged the crowd to remain quiet during points. The intervention helped restore order as the match reached its most critical stage.

Djokovic responded on court. He regrouped and broke back to force a tie-break. Despite his earlier frustration, he found his focus when it mattered most.

The Serbian won the tie-break 7–6 and closed out the match. He produced stretches of high-quality tennis under pressure. Van de Zandschulp continued to fight, but Djokovic held firm.

The victory carried historic significance. Djokovic won 6–3, 6–4, 7–6 (4) to claim his 400th Grand Slam match win. He became the first player in history to reach that milestone.

His total now surpasses Roger Federer’s 369 wins and Rafael Nadal’s 314. Jimmy Connors follows with 233, while Andre Agassi has 224. Djokovic will next face either Jakub Mensik or Ethan Quinn. 

And while he avoided disqualification this time, the outcome was very different in 2020.

Novak Djokovic disqualified from the 2020 US Open

Novak Djokovic’s disqualification from the 2020 US Open was the defining moment of that tournament. The then world No. 1 exited in shocking fashion. It happened during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carrena Busta.

Djokovic was trailing in the first set when the incident occurred. He was serving at 5–5 in the opener. Carrena Busta broke serve to move ahead 6–5 and was preparing to serve for the set.

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Moments later, Djokovic reacted in frustration. He struck a loose ball toward the back of the court. The ball unintentionally hit a line judge in the throat.

Djokovic immediately rushed to her side. Play stopped as officials assessed the situation. A lengthy discussion followed between Djokovic, the chair umpire, and tournament referee Soeren Friemel.

After the review, Carrena Busta was awarded the match by default. The decision was based on the sport’s Code of Conduct. All players are subject to penalties for violations such as unsportsmanlike conduct, racquet abuse, or ball abuse.

Under the ‘Point Penalty Schedule’ in the 2020 Grand Slam rule book, penalties escalate. A warning is issued for a first offense. A point penalty follows for a second. Further violations lead to game penalties.

In Djokovic’s case, officials applied Section T of Article III: ‘On-site Player Offenses’. This section outlines the process for an immediate default. Tournament referee Soeren Friemel made the final call to disqualify him.

Djokovic later issued an apology on Instagram. Years later, at the Australian Open, he narrowly avoided a similar fate. This time, he stayed in the tournament and reached the fourth round. 

And as the event continues under extreme heat, patience and discipline may prove decisive in his pursuit of another Grand Slam title.