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Novak Djokovic lost his temper during his third-round clash with Botic van de Zandschulp, directing an angry message towards umpire John Blom. The Serbian was serving to stay in the third set, with the Dutchman ahead 6-5, when he expressed his frustration after allegedly being distracted during play.

Despite holding a two-set advantage, Djokovic was forced to dig deep to secure his spot in the last-16. The former world number one had comfortably taken the opening two sets, but his 30-year-old opponent fought back in the third, triggering Djokovic's irritation.

Blom stepped in at the Rod Laver Arena, appealing to spectators to remain silent during rallies. He said: "Thank you ladies and gentlemen please, I need to say this politely, please any noise during the rally is detracting.

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"Please any noise during the first and second serve is distracting. Any noise between the point is distracting,. Any noise between the first and second serve is distracting. Please try to be quiet between these times."

Yet Djokovic was furious and urged the umpire to abandon politeness as the match appeared headed for a fourth set, prompting jeers from the crowd. He said: "(It's been) Two-and-a-half hours, you can't be polite. You have to take a stand."

Despite his frustration, the former world number one rallied to take the match to a tie-break before clinching the third and final set 7-6.

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The Serbian showcased some of his finest tennis throughout the game but had to fend off a determined comeback from Van de Zandschulp, who called for medical attention during the second set when he was trailing 3-0.

Djokovic did fend off the fightback from his opponent to take the second set, but the third and final set was far from straightforward.

He was taken all the way, but the flashpoint came with the score at 5-5 as Van de Zandschulp held the advantage during deuce.

The crowd were far from impressed with his altercation with the umpire, and Djokovic continued to play the role of the pantomime villain as he silenced the Melbourne audience several times during the third and final set.

A misjudged forehand from Van de Zandschulp secured Djokovic's spot in the last-16, prompting the 24-time Grand Slam winner to gesture towards his ear.

He took another subtle swipe at the Rod Laver Crowd as he mimicked playing a violin with his racquet.

This was met with a smattering of boos and jeers after Djokovic secured his 400th Grand Slam round win with his straight sets victory.

"Calm down, you jerk," Djokovic said in a post-match interview when asked if he had any advice for his younger self. "It's true. I am too stressed on the court very often and too much tension at times. I think I would say the patience is a big one."