Wimbledon 2023: Novak Djokovic Booed and Hit With Code Violation For Smashing Racquet Into Net Post - Watch

Novak Djokovic was hit with code violation and booed by the All England Club for smashing his racquet into the net pole during the Wimbledon 2023 final loss to Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday (July 16).

The 23-time grand slam champion showed his frustration after dropping a crucial game in the fith and final set of the final, which ended 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in favour of the world number 1 Alcaraz, who lifted his first grand slam title.

The incident happened when Alcaraz broke his serve in the third game of the final set. As the set ended and Djokovic headed to his seat, he smashed his racked against the wooden post and broke his racquet.

After the final ended and he regrouped, Djokovic gave the broken racquet to one of his fans in the crowd. Although a damaged racquet, the fan was thrilled to receive it from the multi-time champion.

This is not the first time Djokovic has vented his frustration as he smashed his racquet into the hard court in 2021 US Open final, which he eventually lost to Daniil Medvedev. He also avoided further damage when he could have hit a ball kid in the same match.

He was also previously disqualified for accidentally hitting a line judge in 2020 US Open. Similarly in 2016, he had accidentally hit fans when he hit balls into the crows at Roland Garros and ATP World Tour Final.

In Wimbledon 2023 final, Alcaraz came from a set down to take the lead in the third set. However, Djokovic, a seven-time winner at the All England Club, forced the title showdown to the decider as he breezed past the 20-year-old Spaniard in the fourth set.

But, the youngster from Spain showcased his calm and sealed the fifth set to clinch the title in the final that lasted for 4 hours and 42 minutes on Center Court. Alcaraz also retained the world number 1 position following the final victory.

That result not only stopped Djokovic from making it five Wimbledon titles in a row, but also ended his winning streak at the All England Club. Since losing the 2017 quarterfinal, Djokovic had won 34 matches in Wimbledon until Alcaraz ended that run on Sunday (July 16).