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Djokovic's 400th Win Overshadowed by Near Disqualification

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian player, narrowly avoided disqualification in the 2026 Australian Open third round after striking a ball near a ball girl.
He apologized in a post-match interview, saying, "I was lucky there, and I’m sorry for causing any distress."
The incident echoes his 2020 US Open disqualification for hitting a line judge.
Djokovic's win marked his 400th Grand Slam victory.
He will face Jakub Mensik in the fourth round.

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Story summary

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian player, narrowly avoided disqualification in the 2026 Australian Open third round after striking a ball near a ball girl.
He apologized in a post-match interview, saying, "I was lucky there, and I’m sorry for causing any distress."
The incident echoes his 2020 US Open disqualification for hitting a line judge.
Djokovic's win marked his 400th Grand Slam victory.
He will face Jakub Mensik in the fourth round.