Novak Djokovic's Unbelievable 100 Unforced Errors in a Winning Australian Open Match
As Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title at the 2026 Australian Open, fans and analysts are reminded of one of the most extraordinary matches in his storied career. Exactly a decade ago, on January 24, 2016, the then world No. 1 faced a grueling test that defied conventional tennis wisdom.
The Marathon Against Gilles Simon
Entering the 2016 Australian Open as the reigning champion, Djokovic had breezed through the initial rounds without dropping a set. However, his fourth-round encounter with Frenchman Gilles Simon turned into a four-hour-and-32-minute battle that pushed him to his limits. Simon's relentless defensive play and Djokovic's uncharacteristic errors, particularly with drop shots, extended the match into a fifth set.
By the end of this exhausting marathon, Djokovic had committed a staggering 100 unforced errors, a number rarely seen at such a high level of professional tennis. Despite this, he managed to secure a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-7 (1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Key Match Statistics and Reactions
The match statistics highlighted Djokovic's struggle. While he hit 62 winners compared to Simon's 32, his 100 unforced errors far exceeded Simon's 68. Djokovic won 53% of the total points, showcasing his ability to clutch critical moments despite the high error count.
Roger Federer, a rival of Djokovic's at the time, later commented on Simon's playing style, noting how it forced errors. "He makes you miss. He makes you go for the lines and he runs down a lot of balls," Federer said. "The question is if you have 50, 100, at the end of the day it doesn't matter as long as you win."
Djokovic himself acknowledged the poor performance in a post-match interview, calling it a "brain freeze" and a match to forget. He humorously interacted with a spectator who advised him to stop attempting drop shots, to which Djokovic replied, "I hate to say, but you are absolutely right."
Resilience and Path to Victory
This match demonstrated Djokovic's incredible resilience. Despite the high error count, he praised Simon's tenacity, calling him one of the best counter-punchers on tour. Moving past this challenging encounter, Djokovic regained his form in the subsequent rounds, defeating Federer and Andy Murray to claim his sixth Australian Open title.
A decade later, as Djokovic aims for an 11th title in Melbourne, this 2016 match serves as a powerful reminder of his ability to triumph even on his off days. It underscores the mental toughness and competitive spirit that have defined his career, making him one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
