NOVAK DJOKOVIC has been fined £6,100 ($8,000) after smashing his racket against a net post during the Wimbledon men’s singles final.
The Serbian, who was beaten in five sets by Carlos Alcaraz in his first loss on Centre Court for 10 years, was punished for “racket abuse” when he was crucially broken in the deciding set.
Djokovic had won the previous four Wimbledon finals
His racket smash has earned him a record fine
The world No.2, who banked £1.2million for being a runner-up, said: “It was frustration in the moment. He played amazing to break my serve, which was enough to win the fifth set.”
The final had a peak audience of 11.3million on BBC One – the largest viewing figures since Andy Murray’s 2016 win over Milos Raonic topped 13.3million.
Djokovic’s racket outburst was not the only time he tested the patience of the umpire during the tense final.
He was also given a time violation when he took too long to serve during the second set – receiving a warning from the umpire for his behaviour.
Never a fan favourite on SW19, Djokovic was booed by the Wimbledon crowd for his tantrum that saw him smash his racket.
The £6,100 fine was the largest individual fine given out at this year’s tournament.
It is however equalled by Mirra Andreeva, who received two fines during the tournament also totalling £6,100.
The 16-year-old Russian struggled to contain her temper throughout the tournament and was seen furiously punching herself during the early rounds.
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She crashed out in the round of 16 when she gifted a match point to Maddison Keys.
Keys was awarded the point after Andreeva was judged to have thrown her racket to the ground after slipping by the umpire.
It was the second time she had experienced a racket related incident – having received a warning for throwing her racket across the grass earlier in the match.
Following her loss to Keys, Andreeva refused to shake hand with the umpire.
She received two fines worth £3,050 each for her conduct in the round of 16.
