Novak Djokovic has apologised after avoiding disqualification in his Australian Open third-round match and provided an update on his injury.
Djokovic defeated 75th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7-4) at Melbourne Park to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open without dropping a set in his journey.
In the third round of the match, the Serbian legend dealt with an injury scare after twisting his ankle.
Novak Djokovic’s fitness update
In his on-court interview, Djokovic explained why he took the medical timeout and what his injury status is.
“Actually, a few points before I almost twisted my ankle I asked for the physio, so I was planning to see him for my blisters,” the 38-year-old Serbian said.
“Then thankfully I managed to have a good fall if you can say so and kind of protect myself. Yeah, things could have been very ugly in that moment.”
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Djokovic, who recently faced a lot of fitness problems, which is also one of the reasons he is finding it difficult to climb the wall of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the Grand Slams, also addressed how he is feeling physically.
Asked how his body felt, the world No 4 said: “[I feel] really good. It’s been a great start to the tournament. Obviously things can change.
“I’m not getting ahead of myself, last year I learned the lesson, got too excited too early, in some of the Grand Slams, playing really well and getting to the semis, and then getting injured in three out of the four.
“I’m still trying to give these young guys a push for their money. I’m still around, I’m hanging in there.
“[Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner are the two best players in the world, they’re playing on a different level to all of us right now.
“But when you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance. Particularly here, the court which has given me the most in my career.”
Novak Djokovic’s apology
In the second set, there was a moment when Novak Djokovic almost hit a ball girl at the side of the net when he hit a ball in frustration after a point.
In his press conference after the match, the world No. 4 apologised to the girl, saying he was lucky there.
“Yeah, I apologise for that,” Djokovic said. “Yeah, that was not necessary. In the heat of the moment I… yeah, I was lucky there. And I’m sorry for causing any distress to the ball kid or anybody.”
Back in 2020, the Serbian was disqualified at the US Open after he accidentally hit a line judge in the neck with a ball.
Novak Djokovic, who last won a Grand Slam in 2023 when he claimed the US Open title, is chasing a record-extending 25th major.
He will face the 16th seed Jakub Mensik in the fourth round.
READ: Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic thanks ‘miracle pills’ after making triumphant start