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Novak Djokovic has asked a ball boy for "forgiveness" after an outburst in the Miami Open final left the youngster startled.

The world no.1 launched a verbal tirade towards his team after losing the second set of the final to Murray - but the ball boy was inadvertently caught up in the middle of it all.

The ball boy had passed a towel to Djokovic.

Umpire Damien Dumusois issued Djokovic with a warning for the way he addressed his team, but did nothing about the manner the ball boy was treated.

However, Djokovic, who eventually won the tournament, has issued a heartfelt apology on his Facebook page following the incident.

In the apology, Djokovic said: "Unfortunately a ball boy was in the middle of it and I really, really feel sorry and regret that he was there.

In pictures - Djokovic wins the Miami Open:

"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.

"I do care about children a lot right now and I look at it in a much different way. 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."

Djokovic rallied from that second set loss to Murray with a 6-0 win in the final set to claim the championship in Miami.