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1/20/12 8:43 PM | Johan Lindahl
The world-class Australian Open racquet-smash outburst from Marcos Baghdatis is transforming the smiling Cypriot into a YouTube sensation, with his on-court outburst going viral on the internet.
The dummy spit occurred during a second-round loss to Stan Wawrinka and features the 2006 Melbourne finalist calmly smashing four sticks. On the third and fourth, he doesn't even bother to take it out of the plastic bag from the stringers before ending its useful life.
A little grin at the end signifies that it's just Marcos being himself. At nearly $200 a pop, the trashed frames are not cheap. And already, local media reports that charities are queuing up to try and get their hands on the remnants, to be auctioned for good causes.
So far, no luck, with the whereabouts of the one-time sporting implements unknown.
Baghdatis did cop a fine of $800 for his trashing episode. And the emotional Mediterranean man may be the exception rather than the rule when it comes to destruction of equipment.
Sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga said: "Sometimes you get angry and it's difficult to control yourself. It can happen. But four racquets, it's a lot.
"For me, never. Never. Anyway, my father told me all the time, 'If you broke the racquet, I broke you.' So I go easy with the racquet. Sometimes I prefer hit myself than my racquet."
Canadian Milos Raonic takes a more workmanlike approach: "I have 10 racquets, I need to play with 10 racquets. Last year I played the first half of the year with three racquets and the second half of the year with four racquets.
"That also made me settle down with the breaking racquets," said the player born in Montenegro. "Now I have a few more racquets, but I don't feel the habit or anger to break them."
While he tries not to indulge in the practice himself, Raonic has his nominations for the hall of fame in the category. "I think (Goran) Ivanisevic and (Marat) Safin are right up there. Loved watching them."
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You must be able to let out your frustrations somehow! Go Marcos!
deuce , 1/21/12 7:04 AM
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Wasn't that Novak's comment about Ivanisevic and Safin??? (I think I read it in one of his pressers). Not that it matters... :)
danica , 1/20/12 11:27 PM