LONDON: Novak Djokovic has been fined US$8,000 after smashing his racket against a net post during Sunday’s men’s singles final at Wimbledon, reported German news agency dpa.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club has confirmed that the 36-year-old has been hit with the penalty for “racket abuse” during his defeat by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic allowed his frustration to show after failing to break Alcaraz and then losing his own service game during the decisive fifth set of an enthralling contest on Centre Court.
Umpire Fergus Murphy, who had earlier pulled up the Serbian for a time violation, immediately issued a warning for a code violation.
Djokovic’s disappointment grew as the 20-year-old world No 1 took full advantage to seal a 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory after four hours and 42 minutes.
In the process, he denied his opponent a 24th grand slam title and an eighth at Wimbledon.