"Hope we hear about Novak Djokovic breaking his racquet as much as Serena Williams" - Tennis fans react to Serb losing his cool during Wimbledon final
Novak Djokovic breaking his racquet in a moment of frustration during the 2023 Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz led to widespread criticism from tennis fans on social media.
After taking the first set against Alcaraz, the Serb lost the next two. He then took the fourth to force a decider. The fifth set, however, saw Alcaraz take an early break of serve to go 2-1 up.
At the changeover, after losing his serve, Djokovic smashed his racquet against the net post in anger. That drew a violation for unsportsmanlike conduct from the chair umpire as well.
Reacting to the incident, users on Twitter were sharply critical of the 36-year-old, with many claiming that his behavior was not befitting a champion.
"Thoughts and prayers to any tennis racquet in a 10 mile radius of Djokovic for the foreseeable," one fan wrote.
thoughts and prayers to any tennis racquet in a 10 mile radius of Djokovic for the foreseeable
One fan took the opportunity to highlight the apparent double standards for men and women, using the example of Serena Williams and the amount of criticism she has been subjected to in the past for near identical offences.
"I hope we hear about Novak Djokovic breaking his racquet as much as we heard about Serena Williams," the fan wrote.
i hope we hear about novak breaking his racquet as much as we heard about serena.
Here are a few more reactions from fans:
Some of his behaviour Djokovic like the intense racquet break in the early stages of 5th set are not befitting someone of his stature in the game imo and his true personality comes out #Wimbledon
That racquet tantrum by #Djokovic shows why there will never be another #Federer irrespective of grand slams victories #WimbledonFinal #Wimbeldon
Yes, the breaking news is that #Djokovic broke his racquet in an emotional breakdown after losing a break point.
But give the man a break - Alcaraz was breaking his winning streak.
Hmmm did he hurt himself while destroying that racquet?? Djokovic shaking and holding that right wrist. I mean…
One major reason I’ll never be able to like this guy, no matter the achievements. You’re playing against someone who’s 16 years younger, show some maturity ffs twitter.com/tedbuddy8/stat…
No point off for this clown ass behavior? Punish Andreeva and not him @Wimbledon ? twitter.com/TedBuddy8/stat…
Djokovic smashes racquet against post.
Andrew castle: it’s fine it’s emotion, sign the post and auction it, it’s all good.
Someone whistles in crowd.
Andrew castle: WELL THATS JUST TOO MUCH.
#Wimbledon
Why it's important to maintain composure - Djokovic loses this incredible point, smashes his racquet as hard as he can on the net support - and there's an indication he hurt his wrist in the process. https://t.co/4cLqAaLoub
Carlos Alcaraz went on to win the fifth set thanks to the break. He prevailed 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to lift his maiden title at SW19.
"A dream come true for me" - Carlos Alcaraz on winning maiden Wimbledon title with win over Novak Djokovic
At the presentation ceremony following his win over Novak Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final, Carlos Alcaraz beamed with joy and said that winning at SW19 had always been a dream for him.
The World No. 1 added that he had not expected to reach this stage so soon, before thanking his team for putting in the work behind the scenes and helping make it possible for him.
“It’s a dream come true for me. It's great to win. But even if I will have lost, I could be really proud of myself. In this amazing run, making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of our sport. For me, it's incredible,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
“As I said this dream come true to be able to play in this stages. I didn’t expect to reach these kinds of situations really fast. I'm really really proud of my myself. Really proud of the team that I have. The work we put every every day to be able to live this dream,” he added.