Novak Djokovic had a close call during his match at the Australian Open when he almost hit a ball girl with a ball in a moment of frustration. Had the ball made contact, it could have led to his disqualification from the tournament, similar to an incident that occurred at the 2020 US Open. Despite the scare, Djokovic promptly apologized and continued playing, ultimately winning the match in straight sets as he pursues his 11th Australian Open title. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash remarked on the incident, highlighting the potential consequences of Djokovic’s action.

Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic acknowledged that he was fortunate to secure victory in straight sets, especially after facing challenges in the match. He emphasized the need to remain focused and not underestimate his opponents, particularly acknowledging the talents of young players like Alcaraz and Sinner. Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his current form but remained cautious, having learned from past experiences of getting injured in Grand Slam tournaments. At 38 years old, Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title, possibly in what could be his final appearance at the Australian Open.