Novak Djokovic apologised after nearly hitting a ball girl during his third round win over Botic van de Zandschulp at the Rod Laver Arena. The Serbian's wayward shot flew towards the left side of the court following a deuce in the second set, after the Dutchman's backhand was ruled out.

The former world number one's frustration threatened to spill over as his emotions nearly got the better of him. Djokovic raised an apologetic hand towards the ball girl after his forehand came perilously close to striking her.

The Serbian had stormed to a first set victory and raced to a 3-0 advantage in the second before Van de Zandschulp called for a medical timeout. Following the break, the 30-year-old Dutchman emerged with renewed vigour, winning consecutive games including breaking Djokovic's serve.

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Although the Serb claimed the next game, Van de Zandschulp's revival continued despite having complained of shoulder discomfort just moments before. The world number 75 eventually secured the seventh game of the second set after an epic encounter featuring three deuces.

Djokovic's irritation appeared to stem from allowing his rival back into the match as he pursued a spot in the last 16. A weak forehand volley from the Serbian prompted a brilliant backhand down the line from Van de Zandschulp, putting him at advantage point.

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He squandered the chance with a wayward shot, prompting Djokovic to lash out carelessly, nearly striking a ball girl in the process.

Djokovic stormed through the following game without dropping a point and clinched the second set 6-4. "Wow. That was a very near miss to the ball girl," said Nick Lester on TNT Sports ' commentary of the match.

The camera captured a lengthy stare from the umpire, though Djokovic offered no acknowledgement.

Tim Henman added: "Oh my goodness. He's definitely not going to make eye contact with the umpire then."

The third set was far from an easy ride for Djokovic as he had to serve to take it to a tiebreak. His frustration further threatened to boil over after an angry exchange with the umpire, John Blom.

The 38-year-old was forced to voice his anger after he felt there was disruption during deuce that impacted Djokovic as he fought to deny a fourth set.

As the Australian Open approached the conclusion of its opening week, the penultimate day delivered no shortage of drama and discussion points.

Jannik Sinner escaped a massive upset against American Eliot Spizzirri, recovering from a set deficit to secure his spot in the round of 16. The Italian was trailing by a set and 3-1 in the second when officials suspended play due to Melbourne's scorching conditions.

Sinner looked vulnerable, struggling with cramp before the match was halted to allow the Rod Laver Arena roof to close and reduce temperatures from a blistering 38 degrees celsius. The American was left mystified by the call, but it transformed the contest as the world number two seized control, taking the subsequent three sets.