Novak Djokovic has been mocked online after destroying two rackets during his farewell match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
On Saturday, July 31, the 34-year-old tennis ace competed against Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta, but was defeated in the bronze-medal match, ending Djokovic's hopes of securing a medal at the Games.
However, Busta's win was overshadowed by Djokovic's emotional reaction to his defeat.
Throughout the match, Djokovic - who is currently seeded as the world number one by the Association of Tennis Professionals - could be seen becoming increasingly frustrated with his performance.
At one point during his 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss, the Serbian threw his tennis racket five rows into the stands. And later on during the match, Djokovic received a verbal warning from the umpire after he destroyed a second racket after slamming it into the post of the net.
Per the New York Post, following his loss, Djokovic would go on to withdraw from his upcoming bronze medal mixed doubles match, declaring an injury to his left shoulder.
Nevertheless, the tennis star's behavior on the court didn't go unchallenged by viewers, who were quick to mock and ridicule the multi-time champion.
British personality Piers Morgan responded by writing the following on Twitter: "Pathetic spoiled brat behavior by Novak Djokovic at the Olympics today - smashing racquets, ranting & raving, & pulling out of the doubles thus costing his partner a medal.
"He let his teammates down, his fans down, & his country down. Shameful antics from a supposed champion."
Another Twitter user wrote: "He’s the world number 1 and has 20 grand slams but you can’t buy class. Not exactly role model behavior that."
A third typed: "Poor sportsmanship from the world no. 1…appears he learned nothing from his 2020 US Open disqualification…or he simply can’t control his temper."
Response to Djokovic's court meltdown became perhaps even more scrutinized after he said "pressure is a privilege" - comments he made when asked about securing the elusive "golden slam", in which he was attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic gold in the same year.
"Without pressure, there is no professional sport. If you are aiming to be at the top of the game you better start learning how to deal with pressure. And how to cope with those moments on the court but also off the court, all the expectations," he said, per the Washington Post.
Following his defeat, Djokovic did apologize for his behavior on the court, telling reporters: "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."
He also said that he has "no regrets" about competing in the Olympics.
