Novak Djokovic apologised for almost hitting a ball girl in an act that could have put his Australian Open hopes in jeopardy.
The 24-time grand slam champion made more history at Melbourne Park, with his 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) victory over Botic van de Zandschulp making him the first player ever to record 400 singles wins at the grand slams, while his 102nd triumph in Australia equalled Roger Federer's mark.
But an incident in the second set might have proved very costly, with Djokovic carelessly sending a ball flying close to the head of a ball girl at the net.
The 38-year-old was famously disqualified from the US Open in 2020 after hitting a line judge with a ball struck in annoyance, while there have been several other instances where he has risked the same outcome.
Djokovic held his hands up, saying: "I apologise for that. That was not necessary and in the heat of the moment. I was lucky there, and I’m sorry for causing any distress to the ball kid or anybody."
While it was another straight-sets win – this is only the second slam since Wimbledon in 2023 where Djokovic has reached the fourth round without dropping a set – there were a few other moments of alarm.
Dutchman Van de Zandschulp, who had won their last meeting in Indian Wells last year, put Djokovic under pressure after a medical timeout for a shoulder problem at 3-0 down in the second set.
The Serbian then sparked concerns when he fell and clutched his right ankle in the third game of the third set, although the subsequent visit he received from the trainer was to treat a blister.
He had to save two set points at 5-6 in the third set, entering into his latest battle with the Melbourne crowd over noise during points, putting his finger to his lips on several occasions and then cupping his hand to his ear when he made it across the line.
Assessing the match, Djokovic, who next faces talented young Czech Jakub Mensik, said: "I relaxed a little bit too much and was in trouble closing out the second set, and pretty much from that moment onwards it was anybody’s game.
"I was really lucky to get out of the set point in the third. Just glad to overcome it in straights.
"It’s been a great start to the tournament. I’m not getting ahead of myself. Last year I learned a lesson, I got too excited too early. I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money."
He shrugged off any concerns over his ankle, saying: "Thankfully I managed to have a good fall. Things could have been very ugly."
