Australian Open - 'Wow!' - Raging Novak Djokovic destroys racket in clash against Alexander Zverev

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 17/02/2021 at 11:12 GMT

Top seed Novak Djokovic let out his rage in stunning fashion as he repeatedly struck his racket against the court until it smashed to pieces. The Serb was furious with a failed return during a key moment of his Australian Open quarter-final against Alexander Zverev on Rod Laver Arena and took out his frustration with his racket.

A furious Novak Djokovic took out his frustration with his racket in emphatic fashion during his Australian Open quarter-final with Alexander Zverev.

The world number one could not contain his anger midway through the crucial third set as he obliterated his racket on Rod Laver Arena as Zverev watched on.

Trailing to the German sixth seed at the time, the explosion of emotion appeared to help settle Djokovic as he roared back in stunning fashion to break his opponent twice and take the set.

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In stark contrast, Zverev's intensity dropped considerably after assuming the early lead in the set having taken the opener on a tense tie-break.

After a botched return at deuce with Zverev leading 3-1 in the second set, Djokovic smashed his racket repeatedly in fury.

"Wow! He's been harnessing that for a while," said Eurosport commentator Chris Bradnam.

'Wow!' - Raging Djokovic destroys racket in furious reaction

"It's going to cost him! It would have cost him a lot more had he done that at Wimbledon."

"Yep, it's a shame, it's no good to anybody that," added Frew McMillan.

"It might be a nice souvenir for one of the ball kids."

There followed a delay as a ball kid was called by the umpire to run on and clean up the mess with a dustpan and brush.

In bizarre scenes, both players had to stand and watch the ball kid clean the court.

"It is absolutely smashed to smithereens!" said Bradnam of the debris from Djokovic's racket. "It's everywhere!"

'Smashed to smithereens' - Ball kid cleans up mess from Djokovic racket smash

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