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Published 19:30 IST, February 16th 2021

Adam Gilchrist slams Novak Djokovic for smashing his racquet during Australian Open Q/F

Adam Gilchrist has called out Novak Djokovic after he had smashed his racquet in frustration during his Australian Open quarterfinal clash on Tuesday

Reported by: Karthik Nair
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Former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist has criticised the current world number one men's singles tennis player Novak Djokovic for a brutal racquet smash during his Australian Open 2021 quarterfinal clash against Alexander Zverev on Tuesday. 

'Djoker' is known to smash his tennis racquets in the heat of the moment and the defending champion could not hold back on Tuesday night when he ended up losing his composure during an intense knock-out clash.

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'Rubbish': Adam Gilchrist

Taking to the micro-blogging site, the three-time World Cup-winning stumper wrote that players smashing their racquet in frustration in tennis is rubbish and one must remind them that they have to keep using it.

Even the netizens decided to join the fun as they came up with hilarious responses. Here are some of the reactions.

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Meanwhile, there were also a few netizens who reckoned that such things should not be needlessly blown out of proportion. 

READ: Serena "excited" For Semi-final Against Osaka At Aus Open

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When Novak Djokovic unleashed his frustration on his racquet

Even though Zverev won the first set in the close tie-breaker, the Serbian bounced back and won the second set without breaking much sweat. Nonetheless,  things were not really easy for the reigning Australian Open champion. In the third set, the winner of 17 Grand Slams was trailing 1-3  as the score read 40-40 in the fifth game and it was during this point in time that Djokovic ended up smashing his racquet just when he reckoned that he might end up conceding points on that occasion. 

READ: "I Will Come Back Stronger" Halep On Shock Exit At Australian Open

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In the end, the racquet smashing was in vain as he ended up winning the contest 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 to advance to his ninth Australian Open semi-final. 

READ: Rafael Nadal, Uncle Toni Play Mind Games With Novak Djokovic Ahead Of Australian Open QF

19:30 IST, February 16th 2021