Winning the 2015 Miami Open was great for Novak Djokovic, but that was shortlived after he watched himself play the ass to the ball boy assigned to him the day he beat Andy Murray. Djokovic, known for his short temper, but always giving back to fans was smart enough to quickly tape an apology to the ball boy and his fans about his outburst. You can check out both videos below.
Tennis champion Novak Djokovic has apologised to a startled ball boy and his parents after the Serbian player startled him during his final showdown with Andy Murray.
Djokovic started shouting at his backroom team after he lost the second set of the Miami Open to Murray.
During the tirade, Djokovic grabbed a towel from the shocked youngster who was caught up in the crossfire.
Umpire Damien Dumusois issued Djokovic a warning for the way he shouted at his support team, but there was no reprimand for the manner in which he treated the ball boy.
However, following his victory, Djokovic posted a message on his Facebook page apologising to the youngster and his parents.
He said: ‘It’s probably been the best start to a season aside from 2011 that I had in my career, and I can’t be more grateful for all the support I’m getting from you guys and I’m enjoying my time playing and competing and hopefully I brought a smile to your faces.
‘Also I want to reflect on a bad moment that happened in the final against Andy when I lost the second set. I yelled to my camp and my box in frustration.
‘I saw the replay. Unfortunately a ball boy was in the middle of it and I really, really feel sorry and regret that he was there. There was absolutely no intention whatsoever to hurt him or scare him in any kind of way. I sincerely hope he forgives me. I really apologise.’
Djokovic then extended his apology to the boy’s parents.
‘I do care about children a lot right now and I look at it in a much different way,’ he added.
‘So I want to apologise to his parents for this situation as well. As a father I wouldn’t wish that something like this happens to my son.
‘Again I sincerely hope you can forgive me and that we can move on. Unfortunately sometimes the emotions get the better of you.
‘Also times as a professional athlete you learn how to control them and how to stay composed and mentally strong. But on a hot day like this when Andy was playing well and pushing all my buttons it wasn’t easy.