The 23-time grand slam champion showed his frustration after dropping a crucial game in the fith and final set of the final, which ended 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in favour of the world number 1 Alcaraz, who lifted his first grand slam title.
The incident happened when Alcaraz broke his serve in the third game of the final set. As the set ended and Djokovic headed to his seat, he smashed his racked against the wooden post and broke his racquet.
RACQUET SMASH: Novak Djokovic was unable to keep his cool as his long reign at Wimbledon was brought to an end by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in an epic men’s singles final. ???? #9News
HIGHLIGHTS: https://t.co/AxhB6GIW6R pic.twitter.com/QKZZCpmZld
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) July 17, 2023
After the final ended and he regrouped, Djokovic gave the broken racquet to one of his fans in the crowd. Although a damaged racquet, the fan was thrilled to receive it from the multi-time champion.
This guy got Novak Djokovic’s broken racquet at Wimbledon.
This broken souvenir could be worth a fortune one day. pic.twitter.com/ZZtccA8XGN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 16, 2023
This is not the first time Djokovic has vented his frustration as he smashed his racquet into the hard court in 2021 US Open final, which he eventually lost to Daniil Medvedev. He also avoided further damage when he could have hit a ball kid in the same match.
He was also previously disqualified for accidentally hitting a line judge in 2020 US Open. Similarly in 2016, he had accidentally hit fans when he hit balls into the crows at Roland Garros and ATP World Tour Final.
In Wimbledon 2023 final, Alcaraz came from a set down to take the lead in the third set. However, Djokovic, a seven-time winner at the All England Club, forced the title showdown to the decider as he breezed past the 20-year-old Spaniard in the fourth set.
But, the youngster from Spain showcased his calm and sealed the fifth set to clinch the title in the final that lasted for 4 hours and 42 minutes on Center Court. Alcaraz also retained the world number 1 position following the final victory.
That result not only stopped Djokovic from making it five Wimbledon titles in a row, but also ended his winning streak at the All England Club. Since losing the 2017 quarterfinal, Djokovic had won 34 matches in Wimbledon until Alcaraz ended that run on Sunday (July 16).
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