1 week ago
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Novak Djokovic chalked up his 400th grand slam victory with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) defeat of Botic van de Zandschulp to reach the fourth round, but the Serbian player was fortunate not to receive a code violation after losing his cool.
Djokovic opened the evening session on a steamy day in which play continued under the main show court roofs and eased to a 5-3 lead before firing a sublime backhand crosscourt winner and celebrating with his arms out to mimic an airplane.
He endured minor turbulence following that point but had no trouble taking full flight again as he broke in the opening game of the second set when a deflated Van de Zandschulp fired his backhand long.
But while up 4-2, an infuriated Djokovic struck a ball that flew close to a ball kid stationed near the net. Though the Serbian avoided a code violation, the incident triggered memories of his 2020 US Open default for striking a line judge.
Up two sets, Djokovic had treatment for a blister on his foot after a tumble and rallied from a break down before holding his nerve in the tie-break to set up a clash with 16th seed Jakub Mensik or Ethan Quinn. With his 102nd match victory at Melbourne, he equalled six-times champion Roger Federer’s record at the year’s first major.
In the his post-match interview, Djokovic said he had lost control of his emotions when asked by the TV reporter Jim Courier what advice he would give to his younger self? “Calm down you jerk,” Djokovic replied.
“I’m too stressed on the court very often. Too much tension at times. I would say patience is a big one. When we are younger, regardless of the area of life we are involved in, I think we want everything here and now, today.
“Just having a bit of patience and trust in the process – and surrounding yourself with the right people, I think that’s a big one – that’s one of the biggest keys I think early on in the career of the young tennis player … you have to build your character so you understand what kind of people you want around yourself.
“People who can connect with you on a private level … There has to be a good chemistry, there has to be a good atmosphere, from which you can extract good vibes and good energy that can serve you for your great performance.”
