Australian Open 2021: WATCH – Novak Djokovic smashes racquet brutally during match against Alexander Zverev


Australian Open 2021: WATCH – Novak Djokovic smashes racquet brutally during match against Alexander Zverev
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev in four sets to set up a semi-final clash against Aslan Karatsev in the Australian Open 2021. Djokovic and Zverev who were expected to make it to this stage of the competition played out a cracker of a match that swung like a pendulum. Djokovic had to be at his best and dig deep in order to pull through and win the clash in four sets.

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In the post match interview, when asked about the match, Djokovic stated that even after the pre-match warm-up he was unsure about his injury. Talking further about his injury, he said that the same was not the worst injury that he has ever faced and expressed his gratitude for the ATP medical team and his physiotherapy.

Despite the match only going to four sets and there being no crowds, tempers boiled when Djokovic smashed his racquet upon losing a point.

Novak Djokovic destroys racquet

In the third set of the match, Djokovic was broken early by Zverev and it looked like the German was heading for a 2-1 set lead in the match. The score was on deuce in the fifth game when the incident happened. As Zverev served, Djokovic returned the serve with his two-handed backhand. However, the ball hit the net resulting in an unforced error that set the Serb off as he lost himself in anger.

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The world no. 1 smashed the racquet straight on the ground and kept smashing it. Such incidents are not a rarity in tennis and Djokovic has been doing it a lot of times in his career although he himself has stated that he doesn’t like the act.

Also Read: Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic makes his way to the semi-final after beating Alexander Zverev