Novak Djokovic’s fan base, still very much upset after their hero missed out on an opportunity to add to his Grand Slam trophy cabinet, trained their sights on Novak’s long-time rival, Roger Federer, highlighting the sporadic incidents where the Swiss great took out his frustration on his racket. The trigger was Djokovic’s anger outburst after having fallen behind at a crucial juncture of his Wimbledon Finals match against World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
One incident that became the talking point was the reaction of the World No. 2 after he was broken in the decisive fifth set. An irate Novak, livid with himself, took his frustration out on his racket by smashing it against the solid wood net post. Such actions do have consequences, and the Serb was levied a fine for his conduct.
The world was witness to the full range of emotions of the legendary Novak Djokovic at the recently concluded Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final. From letting out a thunderous roar to smashing his racket in disgust against the net post and shedding a tear or two after addressing his sons during the trophy presentation ceremony, fans saw it all.
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Novak Djokovic’s fans point out what they believe are double standards
A fierce debate broke out on social media following Sunday’s marathon final, which saw the crowning of a new Wimbledon champion. Fans critical of the Serb were quick to point out Djokovic’s temper tantrum in the decisive fifth set. Not to be outdone, Novak’s fans were quick to post videos of Roger Federer smashing his racket and deplore the so-called “double standards.”
One particular Djokovic loyalist tweeted a photo of the then-27-year-old Roger Federer smashing his racket in frustration, following a crucial unforced error that he committed against Novak Djokovic at the 2009 Miami Open. The user also captioned it rather provocatively, “People criticizing Djokovic smashing his racket, saying it sets a bad example to kids, then bringing in Roger Federer never having smashed a racket …except Federer smashed a racket against Djokovic at the Miami Masters in ‘09 (much lower stakes than a Wimbledon final)”
People criticising Djokovic smashing his racket, saying it sets a bad example to kids, then bringing in Roger Federer never having smashed a racket
…except Federer smashed a racket against Djokovic at the Miami Masters in ‘09 (much lower stakes than a Wimbledon final) 😂🤷🏿♂️ pic.twitter.com/d9lI79Ee01
— Jeffrey Boadi (@jeffreyboadi_) July 17, 2023The gentleman further went on to justify the Serb’s actions stating that the actions of Djokovic were “completely understandable in the circumstances.”
Antics? He just smashed a racket after losing his serve in the fifth set. No big deal imo. People seem to forget all the good in his character and the person that he is, to instead hyper-focus on things he does in the heat of battle.
— Jeffrey Boadi (@jeffreyboadi_) July 17, 2023He’ll take the fine, and he accepted the code violation. I’m sure he can accept those repercussions, but for me it still doesn’t change the fact that it was completely understandable in the circumstances
— Jeffrey Boadi (@jeffreyboadi_) July 17, 2023The tweet quickly became a hot topic of discussion, with polarizing views expressed. Some fans pointed out that Novak Djokovic has always been treated in an unfair manner. One user highlighted their opinion that journalists have always focused on the “classy narratives” of Roger Federer while ignoring his “on-court explosions.”
There were many times that Federer exploded on court in one way or another. But #tennisjournalism always spread the "classy" #narratives about him, and of course most "casual" fans buy it because they don't know any better — and/or they are xenophobes. pic.twitter.com/DPa3aCoKRH
— JANE 🇨🇦 🐺 ☮️ (@JANE79591745) July 17, 2023Federer used to be one angry dude when he was young
— Mischief Managed ⚡️ (@user_1_1) July 18, 2023I had a colleague talk about how Federer would break his racket or be rude. She was very surprised when I sent a video compilation of how he has behaved in the past 😂
— Neel Patel (@neelfx) July 17, 2023Taking the debate up a notch or two, one Djokovic fan seemed to suggest that the Serb always gets the hot treatment because of his anti-vaccine stance.
Every player has moments of questionable behaviour, but people love to jump all over Djokovic at every possible excuse. I think many hate him just because he took a stand against the 💉
— SunnydaleDreams (@SunnydaleDreams) July 18, 2023Here, are a few more notable reactions from divided fans.
Love Roger, but in most people's eyes he's Holy Roger 🙏 He can get away with anything, but if Novak breathes it's ARROGANT 🙄🙄🙄
— Ester 🧜♀️ (@ester95x) July 17, 2023Roger Federer’s fans were equally vociferous in defending their icon. One user highlighted the glaringly different context between a 36-year-old Djokovic breaking his racket on the Centre Court with his kids watching, versus a 27-year-old Federer doing this act in a relatively smaller tournament, and not in front of his kids.
Exactly. 27 year old no kids Federer cracked his racket in Florida.
36 year old djokovic father chipped the net post at Wimbledon, the most respectful tournament on tour. Thank you for proving the point 😄
— MATT 🧢 (@MattGainz22) July 17, 2023So this was 2009??? how old novak today and still smashing racquet, throwing racquets mate…. he is damn 36 and did it in front of his sons… this post is unbelievable…
— Mi_gel 🌸 (@MariaShockapova) July 17, 2023Here are a few more Twitter reactions coming to the defense of the Swiss maestro.
Ok, yes, Fed did it a few times over his whole career. It's a regular go-to tactic for Novak. He can barely get through a difficult match without doing it. Not the same.
— Rebecca Winter (@SkyCatch_Her) July 17, 2023He smashed a racket once in 16 years and y’all telling me that Djokovic who nearly brokes minimum one a year isn’t a bad example? I see some jealous here 🙄
— jorge (@jo_rge55) July 18, 2023Lol 😂 Roger perhaps smashed a racquet once or twice in his entire 20+ year career. With Novak it's a common occurrence. All three of them are legendary players, but don't compare their conduct on court. Rafa-Roger miles ahead, don't remember them getting disqualified from slams.
— Dr. Aishik Boxi (@aishik_boxi7) July 17, 2023Just as the debate on settling the GOAT debate is unlikely to abate, the discussion on morality and integrity in sport with regard to incidents like racket smashing is unlikely to die out anytime soon. While it is true that tennis players go through a whole range of emotions when they are in action, it would set a good example for kids watching if players refrained from taking their frustration out on their tennis gear.
The cost that they would be incurring in lieu of any potential fine may well be insignificant given their large prize money earnings and endorsement fees, but players should also realize that kids tend to imitate their heroes, and any act of such nature copied by kids poses a big financial burden on parents and caregivers, given the high costs involved in racket replacement.
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