Tallon Griekspoor displayed his frustration vividly after a first-set defeat to Alexander Zverev on Sunday evening.
Griekspoor came close but ultimately fell in a tiebreak to Zverev, leading to a visible outburst of anger, with his racket suffering the consequences.
At Indian Wells, the Dutch player in the world vented his frustration by repeatedly smashing his racket on the ground, completely destroying it.
The source of Griekspoor’s irritation was the manner in which he conceded the first set, according to talkSPORT.
All that was required was for him to maintain his serve to lead 1-0, yet Zverev managed to break his serve. Zverev then clinched the tiebreak, taking the first set from Griekspoor.
Sky Sports’ commentator observed, “He is clearly incensed by the loss of that first set.”
Griekspoor then flung the ruined racket towards his gear as he took a moment to gather himself for the ensuing set. The umpire issued him a warning for racket misconduct.
The regulations state: “Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the tournament site.”
“For purposes of this rule, abuse of racquets or equipment is defined as intentionally, dangerously and violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment or intentionally and violently hitting the net, court, umpire’s chair or other fixture during a match out of anger or frustration.”
As a consequence, Griekspoor might now be subject to a substantial penalty.
His fortunes didn’t improve in the following set, as he also lost that, with Zverev securing a win in straight sets 7-6(7), 6-3. Zverev advanced to the round of 16, where he will face Alex de Minaur.
