Carlos Alcaraz incident saw Novak Djokovic hit with hefty Wimbledon fine
Novak Djokovic may not have made itto the Wimbledon final this year, but he did manage to keep his prize money intact, unlike back in 2023. The Serbian star reached the finals in both 2023 and 2024, only to be bested by Carlos Alcaraz on both occasions.
It was during the 2023 final that Djokovicexperienced a costly outburst. In a moment of frustration after being broken by the Spanish prodigy in the deciding set, the seven-time Wimbledon champion vented his anger on the net post with his racket.
This led to a code violation and a fine of £6,117, which was taken from his £1.175 million runner-up prize money – adding financial insult to the injury of losing the intense five-setter to his young rival.
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Reflecting on the incident during his post-match press conference, Djokovic admitted that smashing his racket against the net post was simply "frustration in the moment".
The last time Djokovic clinched victory at Wimbledon was back in 2022, when he overcame Australia's Nick Kyrgios in the final. This year, however, Djokovic seemed to be contending with physical issues, as injury concerns were evident.
Despite putting in a valiant effort to reach the semi-finals, he couldn't find a way past eventual tournament winner Jannik Sinner, who coolly took him down in straight sets, reports the Express.
Despite his woes, Djokovic managed to pocket£775,000, taking his career earnings to a staggering £140 million ($188m). With those making the last four of Wimbledon pocketing the handsome amount, the All England Club seems to exercise a generous policy when it comes to prize money.
The women's champion, Iga Swiatek, and Sinner both walked away with an impressive £3m from the tournament, while runner-up Alcaraz bagged £1.52m.
Djokovic, 38, also remains static at No. 6 in the world rankings, despite making it to the Wimbledon semi-finals. His current tally stands at 4,130 points, with his defeat to Sinner resulting in a 500-point deduction as he failed to reach the final, something he achieved in the previous two years.
Sinner, on the other hand, added 1,600 points to his tally with his victory, keeping him at top spot with 12,030 points. Despite losing 700 points in the final, Alcaraz retains second place, followed by German star Alexander Zverev.
Semi-finalist Taylor Fritz gained 400 points, nudging him ahead of Britain's Jack Draper, who slipped to fifth after bowing out in the second round.
Sinner, 23, has now triumphed in his last six encounters with Djokovic. Following the match, Djokovic reflected on how his physical condition is letting him down in crucial moments.
"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with tank half empty. It's just not possible to win a match like that," he said. "I don't think it's bad fortune. It's just age, the wear and tear of the body."