India, Jan. 24 -- Novak Djokovic attracted controversy at the ongoing 2026 Australian Open on Saturday. It was a hard-fought third-round victory for the Serbian against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, and at one point in the second set, he smacked a ball towards an advertising hoarding out of frustration, almost hitting a ball kid. He quickly apologised.

Djokovic won 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) and had to fight off stiff resistance in the third set. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Djokovic was asked about the ball-kid incident.

"I apologise for that. That was not necessary. In the heat of the moment... I was lucky there, sorry for causing distress to the ball kid or anybody," he said.

Djokovic also evaded disqualification and an...