• Key takeaways:
  • Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open fourth round after a straight-sets win but narrowly avoided a possible default.
  • A ball-girl ducked as Djokovic hooked a ball that almost struck her; Pat Cash said it was “three inches” from a default.
  • Stan Wawrinka lost in four sets to Taylor Fritz and marked an emotional farewell to the tournament.
  • Djokovic will face Jakub Mensik next; Fritz moves on to play Lorenzo Musetti.

H2: Djokovic through but brushes with disqualification

Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, recording his 400th Grand Slam match win. The 38-year-old, a 10-time Australian champion, looked steady on court but sparked concerns with a reckless swing after a point.

Leading 6-3, 4-2 when a return from the Dutchman went long, Djokovic hooked a stray ball toward the sideline. A nearby ball-girl crouched and ducked out of the way, narrowly avoiding contact. The episode prompted an on-air warning from former champion Pat Cash, who said the swing was “three inches from getting defaulted.”

Djokovic apologised after the match, saying the hit “was not necessary and in the heat of the moment” and that he was “lucky” the ball-girl was not struck. Under Grand Slam rules, hitting a ball recklessly or dangerously can lead to default, and tournament officials could have consulted the supervisory team had the ball hit a court official or ball kid.

Despite the scare, Djokovic completed the match in two hours and 44 minutes, received treatment for a blister on his right foot, and maintained his run at a standalone record 25th major. He will meet Czech 16th seed Jakub Mensik in the fourth round.

H3: Context for fans tracking tennis scores

For readers following live tennis scores, the incident did not change Djokovic’s result: he progressed in straight sets and preserved his unbeaten set record at this edition of the tournament. The episode adds to a brief list of on-court safety scares in recent Grand Slam history and underlines how quickly match momentum and discipline can affect outcomes.

H2: Wawrinka’s emotional exit

Stan Wawrinka, playing his final Australian Open before retiring at the end of 2026, bowed out in four sets to American Taylor Fritz. The 40-year-old Swiss became the first man aged 40 or over to reach the third round at a Grand Slam in 48 years, but the run ended against the ninth seed.

Wawrinka received a video tribute of his best Melbourne moments and toasted the crowd with tournament director Craig Tiley, retrieving two cans of beer and saluting fans. “I had so many emotions here over the past 20 years,” he said, reflecting on a career that included three Grand Slam titles.

Fritz moves on to face Lorenzo Musetti in round four.

H4: What happens next

Djokovic and Wawrinka’s results shape the middle rounds of the draw. Djokovic aims to protect his fitness and energy as he pursues another major, while Wawrinka’s farewell marked the end of an era for a popular champion. Fans tracking tennis scores should expect tougher tests in the coming rounds as seeded players tighten their grip on the tournament.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cy4gwe4jrzpo