WATCH: Novak Djokovic hurls racket into stands and admits ‘it’s not nice but it’s part of who I am’

Olympics
Novak Djokovic defeated at the Tokyo Olympics

Novak Djokovic’s frustrations got the better of him during his Olympics bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno Busta with the world No 1 tossing one racket into the stands before smashing another racket later in the match.

Having been the overwhelming favourite to win gold at the Tokyo Games, Djokovic’s campaign unravelled when he lost in the semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday. However, he was still odds-on to beat Carreno Busta in the bronze medal encounter, only to lose in three sets.

After winning the opening set, Djokovic lost his way as the Spaniard drew level to take it to a decider. Early in the third set the 20-time Grand Slam winner tossed his racket into the stands, which was empty due to coronavirus protocols.

He didn’t receive a warning for launching his racket, but after going 3-0 down he decided to take his anger out on his equipment as he smashed another racket into the net.

This time the chair umpire gave him a warning and the Serbian, who was disqualified from the 2020 US Open after accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat while returning a ball to a ball boy, says it is “part of who I am”.

“It was an emotional outburst and it happens. It’s not the first time and not the last time, probably,” he said.

“It’s not nice of course but it’s part of, I guess, who I am. I don’t like doing these things. I’m sorry for sending this kind of message but we’re all human beings and sometimes it’s difficult to control your emotions.”

Novak Djokovic

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