Novak Djokovic had his emotions running during the Wimbledon final. Losing a final is tough for players, especially Djokovic, as he hardly lost any in recent years. The last time he lost a final was in 2021 at the US Open, where Daniil Medvedev won his first major. Djokovic was chasing records both times and this time, he was visibly upset over the outcome. The final produced top-class tennis, and the players were evenly matched till the final set.
Djokovic lost his temperament in the fifth set as he lost a crucial point. In the third game of the final set, Carlos Alcaraz hit a backhand down the line to take the lead; the Serbian vented his frustration on the net. He hit his racquet on the wooden post in anger as he lost the game. The act did not go down well, as he was fined $8,000, and fans were also unhappy with the reaction. It was not expected from a senior player, especially when your opponent is a decade and a half younger.
The former world No.1 has smashed racquets in previous matches, but it is not a common occurrence. Players get exhausted while playing at their best, and sometimes the reactions get out of hand. The 36-year-old could have reacted differently but chose to smash the racquet while Alcaraz had his fist in the air. Djokovic has not explained his feelings during that time or why he chose to do it.
Tennis world slammed Novak Djokovic for a small penalty
With his latest incident at Wimbledon, Djokovic was questioned about sportsmanship by the fans on social media. He has been on tour for two decades, but the fans called out his anger. Certain people were not satisfied with the fine amount as they wanted it higher, so players will think twice before doing anything similar. Others were talking about a point penalty included in a warning.
Some people even wanted the Serbian to be suspended for some games for his ill behavior on court.
In addition to the fine which is peanuts for someone like Novak, he should be suspended for a period of time and/or lose ranking points. He should know better at this stage of his career.
— Dr. Kimberley Daly 🇺🇦🌻 (@kimberleydaly) July 17, 2023
The penalty for a racquet smash should be making the player play the next point with the damaged racquet. The penalty bites immediately, but the absurdity of it would be a kind of shaming.
— Neil Sandell (@Neil_Sandell) July 17, 2023
The price of tennis rackets these days – lots of juniors would dream of owning a decent racket like that! Not what you expect from a role model either!
— Susan Bates (@suzymbates) July 18, 2023
To fine a billionaire with a tiny amount doesn’t bite at all. A ‘warning’ doesn’t do anything either. This could be a point penalty, or even a game penalty. That’s the only thing that could possibly work.
— Thorfinnur Omarsson (@thorfinnur) July 17, 2023
Fine them some serious money. What is $8000 to Novak?
— Cindy M (@clmorin61) July 17, 2023
I think whoever gets the $8k will find it more useful than Novak will 😂
— Mike (@AMLemus) July 18, 2023
For multimillionaires $8000 is not enough to teach a lesson. I say $50,000.
— Ron Smith (@RonSmit45793507) July 18, 2023
The 23-time Grand Slam winner received boos from the crowd while he kept his head down after the incident. The fine was predictable, as there are consequences when a player crosses a certain line. However, the tennis world got to see another Novak Djokovic controversy in this grand slam as well.