Novak Djokovic Apologizes to the Ball Kid After Near Disqualification at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic previously got disqualified at the 2020 US Open.

Novak Djokovic Apologizes to the Ball Kid After Near Disqualification at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic (via IMAGN.com)

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It was a moment that made the entire Rod Laver Arena hold its breath. In a split second of frustration, Novak Djokovic nearly saw his 2026 Australian Open campaign come to a sudden, shocking end. The tennis legend, known for his incredible mental fortitude and fiery passion, found himself in familiar, dangerous territory when a ball struck in anger whizzed past a ball kid, narrowly missing contact.

To his credit, Djokovic didn’t try to dodge the issue. In the post-match press conference, he addressed the elephant in the room head-on. Djokovic said:

I apologize for that, it was just in the heat of the moment. I was very lucky at that time.

This incident has reignited a massive conversation in the tennis world. It’s not just about a single point or a single match; it’s about the intense pressure cooker of Grand Slam tennis and where we draw the line between competitive fire and reckless behavior. As Djokovic continues his hunt for yet another title, the spotlight on his conduct is burning brighter than ever.

This acknowledgment was crucial. By owning the mistake immediately, Djokovic managed to defuse some of the immediate backlash. He knows he dodged a bullet. He knows that if that ball had been a few inches to the left, the tennis world wouldn’t be talking about his next match; they’d be talking about another opportunity squandered for the 25th Grand Slam title.

The ghost of the 2020 US Open

The fans can’t talk about this incident without bringing up the elephant in the room. In 2020, Novak Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open after unintentionally hitting a line judge with a ball hit in frustration. It was a career-defining moment, a stark reminder that intent doesn’t always matter in the rulebook—outcome does.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Novak Djokovic)

That history is what makes this Australian Open scare so significant. When Djokovic hits a ball in anger now, the stakes feel exponentially higher.

Critics argue that a player of his experience should know better, while supporters point out that these are high-octane athletes operating at the limits of physical and mental stress.

The incident highlights a precarious balance. The fans love the passion Djokovic brings to the court, the roars, the shirt-tearing, the defiance. But that same energy, when misdirected, can lead to situations that put officials and ball kids at risk.

What this means for the tournament

Despite the controversy, Novak Djokovic advanced in straight sets. He is still in the draw, still a favorite, and still chasing history. But the dynamic of the tournament has shifted slightly.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)

Every time Djokovic steps on the court for the remainder of this Australian Open, all eyes will be on his temperament. The umpires will be watching closely. The fans will be hyper-aware of his body language. He has effectively used up his lifeline. Another slip-up, another moment of unchecked frustration, and officials may not be so lenient.

For his opponents, this might be a small psychological edge. They know he is under scrutiny. They know he has to keep a tighter lid on his emotions than usual. In a game of inches and mental warfare, that tiny seed of doubt can make a difference.

For now, Djokovic has won his 400th Grand Slam match. He has also tied Roger Federer‘s record of most Australian Open match wins (102). He will now play Jakub Mensik in the fourth round, a rematch of the 2024 Miami Masters final.

Also Read: Fans Accuse Australian Open of Helping Jannik Sinner in Middle of Possible Upset by Suspending Match Due to Heat Policy: “Absolutely Disgraceful”