It appears Novak Djokovic's rough patch has extended beyond the Wimbledon final as he was punished with a substantial fine for smashing his racquet during his Grand Slam defeat on Sunday (July 16). He joins a list of other tennis players who have received similar punishments.
Wimbledon 2023 introduced us to a new champion, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, who triumphed over Serbian legend Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday. Alcaraz prevented Djokovic from claiming his eighth overall title and fifth consecutive Wimbledon victory.
RACQUET SMASH: Novak Djokovic was unable to keep his cool as his long reign at Wimbledon was brought to an end by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in an epic men's singles final. 🎾 #9News
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) July 17, 2023
HIGHLIGHTS: https://t.co/AxhB6GIW6R pic.twitter.com/QKZZCpmZld
This was not the first time the 11-time grand slam winner has displayed anger on the court. However, this particular incident left the audience and pundits disappointed, with some labeling it as an example of his "unsportsmanlike spirit." The All England Lawn Tennis Club took this incident seriously and imposed a hefty fine of $8,000 on the Serbian.
Nevertheless, Djokovic is no stranger to the infamous list of players fined for breaching conduct on the court. He joins the ranks of several other big names in tennis:
The 23-time grand slam winner faced a $17,000 penalty for a code of violation during the 2018 US Open finals against Naomi Osaka. Amidst her loss, Serena referred to the umpire as a "thief" and a "liar."
Nick Kyrgios incurred an astonishing $113,000 fine, the most substantial penalty ever imposed in tennis, during the 2019 Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.
The Australian's code of conduct breach occurred in a second-round defeat against his Russian opponent, Karen Khachanov.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker found himself on this list in a rather peculiar way. During the 1995 Monte Carlo Masters finals, facing defeat, he accused his opponent, Thomas Muster, of using performance-enhancing drugs, resulting in a $20,000 fine.
Way to take a loss, Boris!
At Wimbledon in 2017, Daniil Medvedev made headlines for receiving one of the most substantial fines ever issued in tennis since 1991.
He faced three code of conduct violations and was fined a staggering $26,000 for throwing coins at the umpire's chair.
In the 2012 Queen's Championship finals against Marin Cilic, David Nalbandian displayed unsportsmanlike conduct, leading to his disqualification and a fine of $12,560.
His frustration led him to kick an advertising board during the match, accidentally injuring a linesman, resulting in a total fine of $69,910 after deductions from his tournament prize money.