Novak Djokovic loses it in 'disgusting' meltdown in US Open final
Novak Djokovic let his frustrations boil over in the US Open final, destroying his racquet and receiving a code violation early in the second set.
For the fifth-consecutive match at Flushing Meadows, the World No.1 lost the opening set against Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final.
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Things then took an ugly turn early in the second set when Djokovic missed a golden chance to break Medvedev.
The Russian was serving on break point when music started playing over the Arthur Ashe Stadium speakers, meaning he got a slight reprieve by receiving a first serve again rather than having to serve a second.
It ultimately did the trick as Medvedev managed to hold for 2-2.
Djokovic was left seething after missing the chance to break, angrily smashing his racquet into the court three times and completely destroying it.
The World No.1 received a code violation for racquet abuse for his troubles, as well as loud boos from the US Open crowd.
Fans also took to social media to condemn Djokovic's behaviour.
Djokovic so deserved to get broken. His behavior the game before was disgraceful. #USOpen
— jl croner (@jlcroner) September 12, 2021
It's becoming impossible to support #Djokovic anymore 🙈🙈 his antics are a disgrace #USOpen
— शिखा भट्टाचार्य 🇮🇳 (@crackwit) September 12, 2021
Djokovic - What a disgrace to the game. Should lose a game for racquet smashing. Appalling example to young players compared with the women yesterday. Such a boring player. #USOpen
— Phil Oakham (@Phil_Oakham) September 12, 2021
I really want to enjoy #Djokovic’s brilliant play but he makes it impossible with his tantrums & overwhelming negativity. Really disgusting. #USOpen #USOpenFinal
— Sydyk (@paleshingtonian) September 12, 2021
Disgusting behavior from Djokovic. No grace. He’ll never be Roger or Rafa. #USOpen
— Randy (@RandyRNB) September 12, 2021
I’m gonna need people (commentators) to stop excusing Djokovic’s disgusting, rage-filled behaviour. #USOpen
— Hannah Port (@HannahPort2) September 12, 2021
Huge ovation for Djokovic smashing his racket to bits.
Loud cheers whenever Medvedev misses a first serve.
The New York crowd are such a bunch of appalling bozos.— Shaun Lawson (@shaunjlawson) September 12, 2021
Novak Djokovic misses chance for tennis immortality
Medvedev won the final in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, denying Djokovic’s quest for the calendar-year Grand Slam.
Djokovic headed into the final against Medvedev needing one more victory to go 28-0 at grand slam tournaments in 2021 and claim all four trophies in a single season.
No man has done that since Rod Laver did it for a second time in 1969, and no woman since Steffi Graf in 1988.
"I'm not going to waste time or energy on anything that can just be a distraction and deplete me from the vital energy that I need," the 34-year Serbian said before the match.
In addition to the quest to go 4 for 4 at slams, the top ranked Djokovic had another milestone in his sights.
A 21st career major championship would have seen Djokovic eclipse the men's record he currently shares with great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
However it wasn't to be as Medvedev stunned the tennis world by taking down Djokovic.
with agencies
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