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Djokovic Apologises After Almost Hitting Ball Kid
Djokovic apologized for a ball strike near a ball girl during his third-round Australian Open match, avoiding disqualification despite a previous 2020 default for a similar incident.
- On Saturday Novak Djokovic apologised after nearly hitting a ball girl crouching near the net during his Australian Open third-round match at Melbourne Park, calling it unnecessary 'in the heat of the moment.'
- Following the rally that reached deuce, Djokovic angrily smashed a loose ball near the net, a reaction described by tournament sources and Djokovic as frustration rather than intent, echoing his 2020 US Open default.
- The victory marked a milestone, as Djokovic defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, recording a 6-3 6-4 7-6 victory at Melbourne Park.
- Tournament rules meant the near‑miss risked disqualification as the chair umpire gave no warning despite the ball flying close to the ball kid, per International Tennis Federation Grand Slam rules.
- Djokovic remains on course in Melbourne Park as he advances to the fourth round to face Jakub Mensik, pursuing a record 25th Grand Slam with 10 Australian Open titles.
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Follow live: Alex de Minaur hunting quarterfinal berth; Ukraine's Oliynykova targets Sabalenka again
World No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka will return to Rod Laver Arena on Day 8, eyeing their places in the quarterfinals. Coco Gauff and top-ranked Australian Alex de Minaur will also be in action.
·United States
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Huge luck for tennis star Novak Djokovic in Australia! The Serb would have been disqualified by a hair in Melbourne. He should know better.
·Berlin, Germany
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Novak Djokovic (38) is currently hunting his own record in Melbourne. Ten times the Serb has already won the Australian Open.
·Berlin, Germany
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Left, 36% Center
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
37% Left
L 37%
C 36%
R 27%
Factuality
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