Nadal slams Djokovic over ‘strange’ racket-smashing Tokyo 2020 meltdown and warns rival he is role model to ‘many kids’

RAFAEL NADAL has criticised Novak Djokovic for his Olympics meltdown last week.

The Serbian threw one racket into the stands and violently smashed another in anger, during his shock Bronze Medal match defeat against Nadal’s Spanish compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.

AFP

And angry Novak Djokovic smashed his racket in Tokyo, which did not impress old rival Rafa Nadal[/caption]

AP

Rafael Nadal is back in action this week in Washington[/caption]

Djokovic‘s latest meltdown came against the same opponent that he was defaulted against at last year’s US Open.

And speaking ahead of his participation in Washington’s Citi Open this week, Nadal admitted that he would expect better behaviour from a world No1.

The 35-year-old said: “Luckily there were no people in the stands and nothing else happened, but hey, they are things that happen from time to time.

“You have to try to avoid them. The image is not the best.

“It is important to avoid this, especially as a role model for many children. He is the No1 in the world and one of best in history.

I am sorry for sending this kind of message

Novak Djokovic

“It’s strange that someone so successful reacts this way from time to time, but in the end he’s very competitive and reacts like that.”

Djokovic, 34, did apologise for his antics after the match, saying: “I am sorry for sending this kind of message.”

But the incident capped a sorry week for the 20-time major winner – who saw his hopes of winning a historic ‘Golden Slam’ end in tatters.

He will now dust himself down and re-calibrate ahead of the US Open, with the possibility of a first career calendar Grand Slam haul still beckoning.

Standing in his way, however, could be Nadal, with the former world No1 making his return to the tour this week.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

The four-time US Open winner was last seen being beaten by Djokovic at Roland Garros, having missed Wimbledon and the Olympics due to injury.

But he is set to be back in the mix in Flushing Meadows, having since returned to full health.

Nadal is expected to take to the court in DC on Wednesday, when he’ll play either home hopeful Jack Sock or talented Japanese star Yoshihito Nishioka.

TOKYO OLYMPICS LIVE: All the latest from the Games with our live blog

WHAT’S ON TODAY? Best bits to watch at the Olympics and UK times for your favourite stars

Reuters

Nadal, 35 has been off the tour since losing to Djokovic at Roland Garros[/caption]