My nine year old daughter went to watch the Davis Cup in Manchester yesterday. She came home talking about Draper smashing up his racquet after losing the tiebreaker in the first set. I've watched the clip on bbc sport and tried to share a link but my ineptitude with technology prevented me; thankfully I don't have the mindset of Jack Draper because I'd now have to buy a new phone, and sweep up the old one. He smashes the racquet into the ground about half a dozen times and the commentator doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong. My daughter found it quite funny and was excited by it, but her friend was really upset. I don't watch a lot of tennis but I've seen similar outbursts before, and as much as I see bad behavior in other sports I don't recall people smashing things up, so what is it with tennis players? It could be entertaining to make them complete the match with the broken racquet.
I can only speak for my son who I’m 99% sure would find it hilarious. It’s not cool and he probably should get a slap on the wrist. But I imagine a young fella under the pressure of suddenly being classed as an elite athlete, and an entire countries next big hope, probably brings serious stress and pressure.
Maybe, but it shouldn’t upset someone showing an emotion? And for OP, we do see people kicking off, football we see players hurting or going head to head with an opposing player, in rugby we see head high tackles or fights. Like us, they’re human and respond to things. Had he thrown his racquet at the crowd I’d accept someone would be upset at that, but at merely taking his anger out on an inanimate object not directly causing harm to anyone else other than something that doesn’t feel pain it just confuses me. Again, I never try to come across as a pr**k just state what I believe to be right and don’t want to cause no upset but if said person gets upset at something so small should they go to said events?
No different to a golfer smashing his putter, a footballer going in to make an overly aggressive tackle or sticking his head in someone’s face, a boxer taking a swipe after the bell. When winning is everything you’re already close the edge in terms of mental breaking point.
He's probably annoyed with how he's playing. Since the US Open he has lost both his games in straight sets.
I personally don't think its a big deal, mate. Lots and lots of players do it, understandably, as there's a tonne of pressure on them. As long as its their own property and no obvious harm to anyone else then doesn't bother me. Was just replying to your question, I imagine a lot of kids that age would be a little upset seeing it, particularly if they see certain similar things at home
I would imagine it’s not the actual smashing the racquet but to a young girl seeing an aggresive outburst. To others it’s emotion but to a young person they may not see it as that.
It should be a court violation and a fine.so I'm surprised the commentators saw nothing wrong with that. Mcenroe was horrible, used to time his outbursts to put his opposition off when they were winning. Seems to have mellowed with age though.
I really dont mind a bit of passion in all its forms. So long as it doesn't lead to confrontations with opponents. Everyone react differently. I was crap at most sports but showed passion I believe. I'd scream at missen. Aaaaaaaaargh . Abuse of the racket is insignificant compared to say abuse of the officials.
