Novak Djokovic was at the centre of controversy at the Australian Open against Botic van de Zandschulp
Stephen Killen Senior Sport Central Audience Writer
12:14, 24 Jan 2026
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp (Image: The Associated Press)
Novak Djokovic became embroiled in a heated row with the umpire and was within an inch of being disqualified from the Australian Open before being booed by the crowd in Melbourne.
The Serbian came through his third round match with Botic van de Zandschulp, winning 6-3 6-4 7-6, but it was an encounter filled with controversy that left commentator Tim Henman stunned.
Djokovic was compelled to apologise to a ball girl after nearly striking her in the second set. He launched an errant shot towards the left side of the court following the Dutchman’s backhand being ruled out during deuce in the second set, with the 30 year old trailing Djokovic’s advantage.
The former world number one’s frustration appeared ready to escalate as his emotions nearly overwhelmed him. The Serbian lifted an apologetic hand towards the ball girl after his forehand came perilously close to her.
Djokovic had stormed to a first set victory and surged to a 3-0 advantage in the second before Van de Zandschulp requested a medical timeout.
After the interruption, the Dutchman emerged with renewed vigour and claimed consecutive games, including breaking Djokovic’s serve. Although the Serb secured the following game, Van de Zandschulp’s comeback persisted, despite having mentioned only shoulder discomfort moments before.
The world number 75 ultimately claimed the seventh game of the second set after an epic game featured three deuces. Djokovic’s exasperation seemed to arise from permitting his adversary back into the match as he pursued a last-16 berth, and a weak forehand volley allowed Van de Zandschulp to counter with an excellent backhand down the line to reach advantage point, reports the Express.
He failed to capitalise on that chance, sending his shot long, which prompted Djokovic to wildly strike the ball, nearly hitting the ball girl. Both players returned to their seats, providing crucial breathing space for Djokovic, who claimed the following game without dropping a point and secured the second set 6-4.
“Wow. That was a very near miss to the ball girl,” observed Nick Lester during TNT Sports’ commentary of the encounter. The cameras captured a prolonged stare from the umpire, though Djokovic offered no acknowledgement.
Tim Henman commented: “Oh my goodness. He’s definitely not going to make eye contact with the umpire then.”
Djokovic was later booed by the crowd after voicing complaints to umpire John Blom about their behaviour.
The Serbian was serving to prolong the third set with the Dutchman leading 6-5 when he vented his frustration after supposedly being distracted during the points.
Blom was forced to intervene at the Rod Laver Arena, urging fans to be quiet during points.
He said: “Thank you ladies and gentlemen please, I need to say this politely, please any noise during the rally is detracting. Please any noise during the first and second serve is distracting. Any noise between the point is distracting,. Any noise between the first and second serve is distracting. Please try to be quiet between these times.”
However, Djokovic was incensed and asked for the umpire not to be polite as the game looked to go to a fourth set, sparking boos from the crowd. He said: “(It’s been) Two-and-a-half hours, you can’t be polite. You have to take a stand.”
During his on-court interview after the match when the dust had settle, the 38-year-old was asked what he would tell his younger self, and he had a hilarious response, saying: “Calm down, you jerk!” he laughed.