Jack Draper damaged the electronic advertising boards when he dramatically broke his racquet during his exit from the Queen`s tournament.
The British No. 1 player was intensely focused on securing his spot in the final held in West London.
However, he was narrowly defeated by Czech player Jiri Lehecka in a tough semi-final match, losing 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. The match was attended by figures including Jon Bon Jovi.
Draper`s frustration became evident after losing his serve at a critical point late in the deciding set.
The world No. 6, who is set to be the fourth seed at Wimbledon, conceded the break following a brilliant backhand winner from Lehecka.
As Draper moved behind the court at the Andy Murray Arena, he visibly expressed his frustration.
Being cautious not to harm the grass court, the player hit his Dunlop racquet forcefully against the electronic board courtside.
In doing so, the screen, which ironically displayed an advertisement for his sponsor Dunlop, flickered and then went dark.
The upper section of the board also detached.
However, it seemed the damage extended beyond just the screen.
Draper`s racquet frame was also completely broken in the incident, causing his shock absorber to fly off.
He also appeared to sustain injuries, checking his hand and limping slightly towards his chair during the changeover, with blood visible on his knee.
Umpire Adel Nour issued Draper a code violation warning for unsportsmanlike conduct, adding to a previous time violation warning. He had also avoided punishment earlier for angrily hitting a ball.
BBC Sport commentator Andrew Cotter remarked: “Again, the anger shows, which is understandable.”
“That racquet has definitely seen better days. He`s caused some damage, possibly to his hand as well.”
“Adel Nour had no option at all,” Cotter added. “Yes, you understand it, this is a big, big event for Draper.”
After getting a new racquet, the former US Open semi-finalist was unable to immediately break back. Lehecka successfully served out the game to win the match and advance to the final.
Draper, who had earlier shouted and also hit his shoe with his racquet, later stated he had been dealing with tonsillitis during his run to the semi-finals. However, he admitted his behaviour in the heat was unacceptable.
He said: “I don`t condone that behaviour, but at the same time, that`s where I was at today.”
“I was trying to use everything I could. I tried to compete with every ball. But in the end, anger just spilled over a bit too much.
“When you`re not feeling great, when your energy is really low, you use everything you can to get yourself up.
“I`m getting angry to get fired up. When you give everything you have, not just in tennis, you`re playing a bit more on a tightrope.
“When you try your best and things don`t go your way, it`s easy to spill over. That`s what happened out there.
“I don`t want to behave like that, in all honesty, but that`s just the way I sort of am as a competitor. Sometimes I just play on a bit of a tightrope.”
On social media, tennis fans expressed their disappointment regarding Draper`s angry outburst.
One user commented: “Striking the hard-to-maintain grass court in front of your home fans and your knee like a psycho after losing a point, you will never make me like Jack Draper.”
Another wrote: “Some weak umpiring meant Draper didn`t get a warning when he fired a ball earlier. Furious at getting broken at 5-5 in the third he goes after the ad board signage and… breaks it.”
A third added: “Lehecka breaks and Draper smashes the billboard… hefty fine coming for the Brit.”
A fourth commented: “Kids will be watching and follow his abysmal behaviour, just like McIlroy launching his golf clubs through the air. There is absolutely no excuse.”
And a final user wrote: “Pathetic from Draper. Misses a shot and smashes his racquet into the advertising board. Can’t stand that sort of behaviour.”
This is not the first instance of Draper breaking a racquet recently.
He also destroyed his racquet during Great Britain`s Davis Cup loss to Canada in November and at the Italian Open in Rome the previous month.
However, he will be hoping to channel his focus towards a strong performance at Wimbledon, which begins next Monday.
