“Calm down, you jerk”: Djokovic on losing control in Melbourne

Novak Djokovic hit another major milestone at the Australian Open on Saturday, securing his 400th Grand Slam match victory with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Botic van de Zandschulp to reach the fourth round. But the straight-sets result also featured a tense moment that nearly triggered another code violation for the world No. 1.

Midway through the second set, Djokovic launched a ball in frustration that flew close to the head of a ball kid positioned at the net. The incident drew immediate attention due to Djokovic’s history: the 38-year-old was famously defaulted from the 2020 US Open after hitting a line judge with a ball struck in anger.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic admitted fault for the outburst.

“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,” he said.

Djokovic controlled most of the night session under closed roofs as temperatures soared. After racing to a 5-3 lead in the opening set and celebrating with a plane-style gesture after a cross-court winner, he continued to dictate play and broke in the first game of the second set.

Up two sets, Djokovic received treatment for a blister following a tumble, then rallied from a break down to take the third-set tiebreak. The win sets up a fourth-round clash with either 16th seed Jakub Mensik or American Ethan Quinn. With his 102nd win at Melbourne Park, Djokovic tied Roger Federer’s record for most victories at the year’s first Grand Slam.

Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Djokovic joked about his emotional struggles during matches:

“Calm down, you jerk,” he said with a laugh. “I’m too stressed on the court very often. Too much tension at times.”

Djokovic added that patience and surrounding oneself with the right people are key to long-term success:

“You have to build your character so you understand what kind of people you want around. There has to be good chemistry and good energy that serves your performance.”