Novak Djokovic smashed a racquet at the Tokyo Olympics and Nadal criticized the act calling it a bad image.
Novak Djokovic created headlined at the Tokyo Olympics when he smashed a racquet on the net. Previously in the same match, he threw a racquet into the stands which was also heavily criticized.
Rafael Nadal was asked about te actions and he said:
"The image is not the best. It is important to avoid this type of situation, especially as a role model for many children. In
In the end, he is world number one and one of the best in history, it is
strange that someone so successful reacts in this way from time to time,
but in the end, he’s very competitive and reacts like this."
His comments was backed up by his uncle
Toni Nadal who said:
“Nadal has never broken a racquet. It would be showing a lack of respect to people who actually have to buy the equipment to play the sport.”
Toni also shared a story about how he drilled the show of respect towards equipment into a young Nadal at age 6:
"You throw one racket and I’m no longer your coach. There are millions of kids in the world who would love a racket and don’t have one.”