Novak Djokovic let his frustrations get the better of him in his bronze-medal match against Pablo Carreno Busta. The world No 1 was competing for a singles bronze medal against the Spaniard on Saturday.
But he got off to the worst possible start as Carreno Busta opened up a one-set lead.
The second set was much closer between the pair as Djokovic forced a tiebreak, although Carreno Busta had a chance for match point at 6-5.
Djokovic saved that, before winning the next three to take the second set.
It was all on the line heading into the third set and Djokovic sensed an opportunity in the very first game.
He missed a good break-point opportunity with Carreno Busta just about holding on as the game lingered on.
But the Spaniard was dogged in his defence, making Djokovic run all over the court which clearly frustrated the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Carreno Busta pulled off a remarkable drop shot after Djokovic had been scampering across the court to stay in the point at deuce.
And as Djokovic realised he wasn’t going to get to the drop shot, he launched his racket into the empty stands.
That appeared to be the catalyst for Carreno Busta to go on and win the bronze medal with the Spaniard clinching three consecutive games before holding his nerve to serve out for the match.
“I just stopped, allowed him to dictate, my first serve percentage was low… At this level, with the pressure of playing for your country at the Olympics.”
He added: “Look, I didn’t come here fresh, I came here exhausted emotionally, but very motivated and with a great desire to win a medal for my country.
“I hope to use at least one of the chances tomorrow.”
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